How I categorize fear and respect

As we hear the words themselves, fear and respect seem to hold no similarities. But still, the discussion of their confusion remains the same. The questions always arise; where is the margin between them or rather, how are they related? In my opinion, fear and respect are similar feelings, yet not the same.

From what I believe, fear is an emotion that is generated by recognizing that someone has the ability to harm you, either physically or mentally. Respect, in contrast, forms when one believes that the other is capable of admiring people or rather, has done something to obtain love and trust. However, the similarities between these lies on the receiving end. Both the feared and respected consider themselves to be in command and are right in doing so. They believe they are of higher stature than the others and usually get what they want. Even so, there lies a difference in their personality. The feared one is generally the arrogant one while the respected is confident.

Fear and respect is actually quite related, yet far apart. People follow both the feared and the respected but the difference lies in people’s willingness. Respected people are followed voluntarily whereas there is no choice but to follow the feared ones. Some believe that respect is gained by dishing out fear.  I believe that this effect of fear is not respect, just a response to the perceived fear; a false respect, if you will. But, this false respect is only present as long as the fear is in attendance. When the fear is lost, this false respect dissolves with it.

Respect actually contains minor fear in itself. The level of fear might be different or even the feeling of it, but it is always there. On the contrary, the feared ones are never feared and respected by the same person simultaneously; although, it is possible for different people to fear and respect the same person at the same time. For instance, Osama Bin Laden, who was feared by many, was still respected by most of the Muslims around the globe.