i feel like every time i have trouble finding someone, i just stop trying. eventually, that person comes to me. also, if i haven't known the person i'm interested in for long, i try to get to know them for a while before i make a move or respond to 1 that they may be making. i agree that getting respect is a big deal. that's why getting to know someone before taking action is an idea that i've always considered to be a VERY good 1. i start to pay attention to how they act around others & how they act if we were to hang out alone. i also pay attention to what they say about past relationships, & how they answer questions about dating & what they like in a partner. this has always helped me. i wasn't good at it at 1st b/c my 1st 2 relationships weren't that great when it came to respect, but the 1 i'm in now has worked out really well so far. also, if there's ever a time that i feel disrespected or treated badly, i sit him down when we're alone & calmly tell him how what he did made me feel & that he please not do it again. i don't always tell him right away depending on how i feel. if i'm really mad or upset, i wait a little while before i confront him. this way, i'm not overly emotional & i can talk to him calmly so he doesn't feel like i'm attacking him. plus if i'm angry or upset, i'm going to get even more frustrated if he shuts down b/c he feels i'm attacking him. also, i do it when we're alone so not to embarrass him, which could piss him off & cause him not to really listen to what i'm telling him. & the fact that it's no 1 else's business. i make sure he understands & that's usually the end of it. very rarely will he mock me about how i feel, but again, i just stay calm & don't get upset or i leave until i can get my emotions under control. personal experience has taught me that guys respond better when your not overly emotional, otherwise they just shut down.