Congratultions Al. You have just highlighted the problem. Respect should not be earned. Respect should be given to everyone by default. Sure you can lose respect for people but by automatically starting relationships with new people at the level of no respect, it is clear that your attitude is exactly the problem. Try starting by respecting people and see how you go in life, I think this article might have changed you. 
Also. By referring to the journalist as a little girl (your words) you are deliberately belittling her. Grow up yourself little boy.