You're RIGHT about that. If you mean anything to each other, Respect should be automatic until or unless it is LOST by way of BAD feelings it is LOST. Then it has to be earned. I think a couple should start off by mutual respect and trust, and most of all, HONESTY between the two people. Even in Gay relationships, it's all the same. I for one can love and respect a male the same as I could a female, as long as there is honesty, love, and respect to start out with.
i think a lot of people are too influenced by television and movie dramas, thinking relationships are supposed to be volitile, intense and deeply romantic ALL THE TIME. who can keep up with that? jeez, man. mostly women have this problem. it's like an addiction.