Ultimately, respect is earned, but is it wrong to show a simple level of respect for the supposed "rank"?

In the military, respect is shown for rank even if there is no respect for the person behind it. There are some officers out there I would tie up and gag if at war with them to keep them from giving orders that will get me and the troops killed (but I would do while showing respect ).

As a single submissive at BDSM socials I show respect in simple ways to all that claim to be dominant. Such as not speaking till spoken to, my tone of voice, humble look, walking a step behind, opening the door, ect. I do not however drop to my knees to kiss the feet of or follow any orders shouted by someone who has not taken the time to earn my respect. I respect their claim to dominance but I do not put myself at their service because of their claim. Similar to my saluting an officer's rank but not respecting him enough to get myself killed. I will show respect for someone's "rank" but not give up my self-respect by putting myself in front of their whip before they have earned my full respect.

Does that make me naive? Does it cheapen it and make it something I give away too easily? I hope not.

I've never really analyzed why I do it till now. Maybe I do it to act out my submissiveness in some small way. Maybe I hope someone worthy will take notice of it and step up to earn my heartfelt respect.

Food for thought, thank you Dslave