I respect his distance
I told him I respected his distance, and that all I wanted was to be in touch to hold him in my life as much as he could let me.

(My brother had a cancer, and he didn't want any family around.)

'I respect his distance', can you put it in other words?

Question

I respect his distance
I told him I respected his distance, and that all I wanted was to be in touch to hold him in my life as much as he could let me.

(My brother had a cancer, and he didn't want any family around.)

'I respect his distance', can you put it in other words?

Answer

Basicly the sentence is saying that the brother needs time alone and that the sister respects his need, and will not bother him.

Brother -- I have cancer and  need some time alone.  Right now I need space.
Sister - Ok, brother I understand and respect that.

By allowing her brother time to be alone she was "respecting his distance".

Hope this helps,
Jerry (Teacher/tutor

Answer

I respected/honored (his need for privacy) (his desire to be alone).