Class is more than just eating in fancy restaurants, or wearing designer outfits, anyone can do that. Class is that simply can’t be bought, it is something someone has to truly embody. Class is about people’s behavior and how they carry themselves. While there are many things that classy people do-such as showing respect to others, as well as being confident in themselves-there are as many things they never do. Often, it is simply avoiding certain behaviours that elevate a person’s personality and catches the attention of others.
Here are a few things that Classy people never do :
1 Think they’re better than others
When some people reach a certain level of wealth, their egos tend to inflate as well. They developed the habit of always saying “ Do you know who I am?” But truly classy people are not like that. Even if they have lots of money and ride in expensive cars, they would be still someone who welcomes anyone, regardless of social status. They understand that the universe does not revolve around them. They don’t use their background as leverage to get what they want.
2 Talk more than listen
Some people love talking because they are trying to prove themselves to the people around them. But the truth is, the more confident and self-assured someone is the less likely they feel like they have to prove themselves. Classy people do not try to dominate the conversation in a particular direction, because they are comfortable going with the flow. They value listening to other people because they see an opportunity to learn.
3 Compare themselves to others
Most classy people do have people they look up to and want to emulate-maybe Amitabh Bachchan, Ratan Tata, JRD Tata, and many others. But what they do not do is compare themselves to other mortals and feel bad about themselves for not having the same as X or Y. A classy person would not spend a single second thinking about this because, to his/her mind, it is always to aim higher. They also know we all have different paths and different timelines. They will admire others but never get envious of them.
4 Interrupt others while they are speaking
When another person is sharing their opinions, a classy person won’t interrupt them. A classy person listens deeply, leans in to show they are interested in the conversation, and makes eye contact to reassure the speaker that they are listening. Only when the person is finished talking, then only they respond with their opinion. Classy people also aren’t the type to have their phone in hand or on the table while talking to someone.
5 Waste time on gossip
Classy people value their time and mental health. After all, they know they’re meant to be great and that means they are supposed to be spending their time doing important things. They know very well that gossip does not contribute anything to their professional or personal lives, or to humanity as a whole. If anything, it can do more harm than good. Gossip affects the way we think and deal with people. Classy people will nod and smile when people gossip because they do not want to be rude, but they will probably change the topic to something more important.
6 Lose their temper often
If a waiter gets their order wrong, they wouldn’t call the manager to help scold the waiter. A classy person knows that the waiter might have just made an honest mistake. If they are having problems with something they bought, they aren’t of the type to get angry at the customer service employee. These people are only doing their jobs, and kind people know this. When things don’t go their way, sure they still get disappointed, but they wouldn’t act out in a fit of rage. They remain calm and ask for help when they need it.
7 Play games with people
When other people want something, they might subtly manipulate others to give it to them. But if a classy person wants something, they try to make it as clear as possible. They know that, by being clear, it lessens confusion as well as builds trust with others.
8 Forget their manners
If you get the chance to out to dinner with a classy person, watch how they prepare themselves to eat. When they talk to waiters, they talk to them, not like some servants. They speak to them conversationally, like a friend, they might even use their first name while ordering their meal. They always remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you to them as well. Although they might be hungry, they still won’t be one to gorge on their food as if they are starving. They behave this way in any restaurant, regardless of how fancy it is.
9 Try to change what’s out of their control
There are many things in life beyond our control that cause stress and frustration. Like the traffic jam on the way to work, or the rainy weather on a special day. How others treat us. The foolish think they can change these things to what they desire. The wise know that is impossible. They understand that there are things in life that are within our control-our patience and humility- and others are not in our control. Focusing on what they can control is what makes the wise so effective in their lives and works.
10 Try to be someone they aren’t
Often society can sway people to become someone they aren’t just because it is a personality that is trendy. In fact, a classy person does not follow anyone else’s style completely but theirs. Sure, they may take inspiration from powerful people, but for the most part, they have their own identity. You can tell them apart from a crowd of people because they do not choose to dress the way others dress, or speak the way others speak just because it is popular right now.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
16th January 2023