10 behaviors that instantly make you look low-class, according to psychology

We all want to be seen as decent, respectable, and likable people. Contrary to popular belief, “low-class” has very little to do with your income or where you come from—it’s really about how you carry yourself and how you treat others.

Over the years, through my research into psychology, self-improvement, and mindfulness, I’ve noticed that there are certain behaviors that can make you seem “low-class” right away, regardless of your bank balance.

Below, I’ll share ten of these behaviors—backed by psychological concepts and the occasional quote—so you can steer clear of them and become the best version of yourself.

As you read, keep in mind that nobody’s perfect; I’ve definitely been guilty of a few of these myself!

1. Being Rude to Service Staff

If you want a surefire way to appear low-class, start by being rude or dismissive to waiters, baristas, or anyone else in a service position.

There’s a certain sense of entitlement and arrogance that comes with snapping your fingers at a server or rolling your eyes when your order takes a bit too long.

In social psychology, there’s a concept called the fundamental attribution error, which is when we assume negative things about someone’s character without considering the situation they’re in.

If you’re snappy with a barista because you’re impatient, you might be revealing more about your own character than theirs. And let’s face it: how you treat someone who can’t do anything for you says a lot about who you really are.

I used to work as a barista in my early twenties, and let me tell you—I can still remember the people who treated me like I wasn’t worth their time. That stuff sticks.

2. Constantly Bragging

It’s great to feel proud of what you’ve achieved, but if every conversation you have turns into a monologue about your success, expensive items, or status symbols, you’re basically screaming, “I’m insecure.”

Classy people don’t need to show off because they’re comfortable in their own skin.

Abraham Maslow once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”

If you’re aware of your strengths, you won’t feel the need to shove them in other people’s faces. Remember: If you’re truly impressive, people will notice without you having to announce it.

3. Interrupting Others

Nothing screams “I don’t respect you” like cutting someone off mid-sentence. This habit is often a sign of impatience and self-centeredness.

You might have the world’s greatest idea, but if you can’t wait for your turn to speak, you’re ignoring a basic rule of decent communication.

In Carl Rogers’ person-centered approach, genuine listening—what he calls unconditional positive regard—is one of the most important parts of building healthy relationships. Interrupting someone sends the message that what you have to say is more important than what they’re saying. Not exactly classy, right?

4. Speaking in an Overly Loud or Aggressive Manner

Sometimes people equate being loud with being confident. But there’s a fine line between having a strong presence and being downright obnoxious.

Shouting, swearing unnecessarily, and dominating the volume of a room can come off as attention-seeking or even threatening.

Leon Festinger’s social comparison theory suggests that people constantly evaluate their own abilities and status in relation to others.

If you’re yelling and intimidating, folks might see you as trying to prove something—likely due to insecurity.

There’s power in restraint. A poised person knows how to make a point without blowing out everyone’s eardrums.

5. Trash-Talking Others Behind Their Backs

Gossip is tempting. Trust me, I’ve been there. We all slip into it every now and then. But consistently tearing people down when they’re not around is a big no-no if you want to be seen as a person of class.

Not only can it make you look petty, it also creates a toxic environment.

Psychologist Brené Brown highlights the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in real connections. When you gossip, you’re doing the opposite: you’re trying to bond with someone by attacking a third party.

That might feel like a quick way to connect, but it’s a shallow connection at best.

True class is about treating others well, even when they’re not in the room to defend themselves.

6. Having Terrible Table Manners

We don’t need to be super formal at every meal, but let’s face it: scarfing down your food with your mouth wide open or constantly checking your phone at the dinner table can make others cringe.

Basic courtesy at the dining table—like not smacking your lips and waiting your turn to speak—goes a long way.

From a behavioral psychology perspective, manners are learned behaviors that signal respect for social norms and for the comfort of those around you.

If you behave like you’re the only one who matters, you’re basically ignoring the unspoken social contract that keeps mealtime pleasant.

7. Always Playing the Victim

We all face challenges—losing a job, relationship problems, or a health scare. But there’s a difference between occasionally venting about life’s hurdles and wearing your victimhood like a badge of honor.

Always complaining, blaming others, and refusing to take responsibility for your actions can make you seem immature and, well, low-class.

Martin Seligman, known for his work on learned helplessness and positive psychology, points out that believing you have no control over your situation can trap you in a cycle of negativity.

It’s totally okay to talk about your problems, but blaming everyone else for them just signals you’re unwilling to grow.

8. Invading Personal Space

Ever had a conversation with someone who stands way too close or touches you without your permission? It’s uncomfortable.

Respecting personal boundaries is a hallmark of emotional intelligence and class. Everyone has different levels of comfort with physical contact, so it’s best to be mindful.

Edward T. Hall’s proxemics theory breaks down personal space into different zones. If you’re in someone’s intimate zone (0-18 inches) without permission, you can come off as intrusive or threatening. Give people room to breathe, both physically and emotionally.

9. Being Excessively Materialistic

There’s nothing wrong with wanting nice things. I love a good cup of artisanal coffee or a high-quality notebook. But if you constantly chase the next big brand and judge people based on the price tags of their clothes or gadgets, you might be revealing some deeper insecurities.

Erich Fromm talks about the difference between the “having” mode and the “being” mode in his work.

In the having mode, you define yourself by your possessions. In the being mode, you define yourself by who you are and how you act.

The more you focus on material things, the less you focus on personal growth—one of the quickest ways to look low-class in the eyes of those who value character over objects.

10. Lack of Self-Awareness

Lastly, if you go through life thinking you’re perfect and never pause to reflect on your own behavior, you’re setting yourself up for some major low-class moments. Maybe you dominate conversations without realizing it, or perhaps you have no clue how your jokes might offend others.

Daniel Goleman, who popularized the idea of emotional intelligence, emphasizes self-awareness as the cornerstone of emotional maturity.

Class isn’t about never making mistakes—it’s about how you handle yourself after realizing you’ve messed up. Do you brush it off, or do you try to make amends?