5 Signs of Disrespect You Might Miss (in Business or in Life).

Sometimes, disrespect doesn’t show up as yelling. It walks in quietly, masked as a joke, a “misunderstanding,” or a little jab. I once had someone speak Spanish with a waitress just to joke about my food order, right in front of me. They were laughing, thinking I wouldn't catch on. I asked what was so funny, and of course, it suddenly wasn't that deep. But that was my wake-up call. In business or life, these moments matter more than we think.

Whether you’re building a brand, climbing the career ladder, or just trying to protect your peace, here are 5 subtle signs of disrespect you might be brushing off.

1. They downplay your work.

“Oh, you’re still doing that little thing?”

When someone puts quotes around your dreams or calls your hustle a "cute idea," it's not support: it's a dig. This can show up in friends who never ask about your business, clients who act like they’re doing you a favor by hiring you, or coworkers who constantly question your expertise.

Don't second-guess yourself. If you're putting in the work, it's not "little." It's real. And anyone who doesn't get that doesn't need front-row access to your growth.

2. They ignore your boundaries.

Late-night messages, "Quick favors" that turn into hours of work and Overstepping your time, your space, or your process.

When people repeatedly cross the limits you've set, it shows they value their needs over your peace, and in business, this is a slippery slope, it leads to burnout, resentment, and lost energy you could be using to grow.

Respect starts with no. If they can’t hear it, that’s your cue.

3. They make jokes at your expense.

“I’m just playing!” But you’re the only one not laughing.

Whether it’s a partner making you the punchline at dinner or a boss throwing you under the bus in front of your team, jokes that leave you feeling small are a form of disrespect. Period. Humor should never be used as a cover for cruelty.

Pay attention. People often reveal how they really feel when they’re "just joking."

4. They expect discounts, favors, or free labor.

If someone wouldn’t dare ask their dentist for a free cleaning, why are they asking you to do work for exposure, a shoutout, or friendship?

When building something from scratch, it's tempting to try to please everyone. But your time and talent are valuable. A real supporter won’t guilt you into giving away what you worked hard to create.

Say it louder: NO is a full sentence.

5. They praise you in private but stay silent in public.

They love what you do, but you never see a like, a share, a tag, or a word of public encouragement. That quiet support might be genuine, but it also might be envy, competition, or fear of how bright you're shining.

Your success shouldn't make the people around you shrink. If someone only supports you in secret, ask yourself why.

Here’s the Bottom Line

These things might seem small, but when you add them up, they chip away at your confidence. You deserve to be respected in every space you walk into. Whether you’re dating, working, or hustling. And if someone can’t do that? Deuces. ✌️

P.S. Ready to start honoring your worth louder than ever? My new T-shirt says it all: "Know Your Worth. Then Add Tax." Grab yours 👉🏽 here now and wear it like you mean it.