Giving respect vs. Getting respect

We have all heard the phrase "respect your elders".  But what if your elders do not show any respect toward you.  Are you suppose to listen to insults and just say "yes mam and yes sir"?  I don't know why many parents constantly bring up children's mistakes or maybe not accept who you are.  We could add other relatives or friends who consistently put you down.  Many do not understand mental illness.  Or maybe they really do not want to.  Maybe you happen to be gay.  You know that you are normal, but they continue to be negative.  What do you do?  If these situations are bringing you down, don't you think you have the right to walk away.  If these people are making your symptoms of your illness worse, don't you think it would be better to not communicate with them.  I understand it would be hard to cut immediate family members out of your life.  But if you can't come to some middle ground, this constant negativity may be worse than not seeing this individual. It is a very hard decision to make. It is up to each individual.  Just remember no one has the right to keep belittling you. No matter who it is.