I don't follow the "respect is earned" philosophy. I respect everyone automatically and then each person has the opportunity to lose my respect based on their behavior.
“So be mindful of Allah to the best of your ability, hear and obey, and spend in charity, that will be best for you. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are truly successful.”
— Al Qur’aan [64:16]