Respect begins with believing "I am worthy of love." If you do not believe you are worthy of love and respect, you may allow yourself to be disrespected or disrespect others. Believe that you are worthy of love and honor because God gave us infinite value when He gave His Son for us.
He knows the desires of your heart. He knows your desire to be loved and to be known. In His perfect timing, God's plan will unfold. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." Be encouraged, your story is not yet finished. You are not late or early, but right on time.