To respond means to make a choice on how to interact with something. To react is to go on autopilot. Reactions allow us to be controlled by external parties, uncontrolled emotions, & subconscious programming. Responding shows self-mastery and personal responsibility.
We can choose to free ourselves from the emotional effects of anyone's judgments or perceptions of us if we want to. No one can give us value because we are valuable as we are.