What role does respect play in a healthy friendship or romantic relationship?

Respect is the foundation. Without respect, even love cannot survive. When you respect someone, you listen to them, you value their opinion, and you never humiliate them. In friendship and romance, respect means you see the other person as equal, not less than you.

I think respect is what stops love from turning toxic. You can be passionate about someone, but if you don’t respect them, that passion can become controlling or even abusive. Respect keeps the relationship safe, like boundaries on a road that prevent accidents.