9 unique behaviors that separate really classy people from everyone else

Classy people are a breed apart. There’s something about their behavior that sets them apart from the crowd.

It’s not about flaunting their wealth or wearing the latest fashion. It’s about their unique behaviors that command respect and admiration from others.

Being classy is a choice. It’s about how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and how you handle situations.

In this article, we’ll delve into 9 unique behaviors that truly classy people exhibit. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Respectful communication

The hallmark of a truly classy person often lies in their communication style.

Respectful communication, you see, is their forte. They understand the power of words and use them judiciously.

They are conscious of not only what they speak, but how they speak it. They never resort to slander or gossip, and steer clear from negative conversations.

Instead, they prefer positive, uplifting speech that adds value to the conversation. They ensure their words reflect kindness, understanding, and respect towards others.

This behavior isn’t about being politically correct or falsely sweet. It’s about genuine respect for others that manifests itself in the way they communicate.

Aiming to be more respectful in your communication could be a great starting point if you’re aspiring to be classier in your interactions.

2) Grace under pressure

There’s always that one person who remains calm and composed, even when everything is falling apart. And in my experience, that person is often the classiest one in the room.

A couple of years ago, I was at an event that was running way behind schedule. The attendees were visibly upset, the catering was delayed, and it seemed like everything that could go wrong, did.

Amidst all this chaos, I noticed a woman who remained remarkably collected. She was one of the key speakers and had every reason to be frustrated like everyone else. Instead, she calmly liaised with the event coordinators, diffused tensions with her humor, and even offered to adjust her talk time to accommodate the delay.

Her grace under pressure was not just impressive; it was inspiring. She stood out as the epitome of class in that chaotic situation.

It’s not easy being calm when you’re in the eye of the storm. But maintaining your poise and exhibiting grace under pressure is a behavior that distinctly sets classy people apart from everyone else.

3) Mindful of their surroundings

You might be surprised to learn that a study published by Psychological Science found a link between cleanliness and ethical behavior.

Classy people are often mindful of their surroundings and make an effort to leave places better than they found them. Whether it’s picking up an errant piece of trash, fixing a misaligned picture frame, or simply washing their own coffee cup, these small actions speak volumes about their character.

It’s not about impressing others or being a stickler for rules. It’s about respecting shared spaces and understanding the impact our actions can have on others.

In many ways, this mindfulness is a silent yet powerful way to influence the environment around them positively.

4) They listen more than they speak

One of the most distinctive traits of classy people is their ability to listen.

In a world where everyone is eager to voice their opinions, those who choose to listen stand out. They are not just waiting for their turn to speak but genuinely interested in understanding others’ perspectives.

This behavior makes them excellent conversationalists. They make people feel heard and valued, which in turn enhances their own respect and influence.

Listening more than speaking is a powerful skill that not only enhances your relationships but also broadens your understanding of the world around you. Classy people have mastered this art, and it’s a behavior worth emulating.

5) They lead by example

Instead of relying on words, classy people believe in the power of actions. They embody the change they wish to see, and that’s what makes them influential.

They don’t preach about punctuality while being perpetually late. Nor do they talk about respect while treating others poorly. Their actions are consistent with their words, making them trustworthy and respected figures.

Leading by example isn’t just about showcasing positive behaviors. It’s also about owning up to mistakes, making amends, and showing how to improve from there.

Classy people understand that actions speak louder than words, and their behavior is a testament to this belief.

6) They practice kindness

In a world that often rewards aggression and competitiveness, the choice to be kind is a powerful one.

Classy people are consistently kind. They understand that kindness isn’t a weakness – it’s a strength. It takes courage to extend a hand, to be empathetic, and to choose love over hate.

Kindness for them isn’t limited to grand gestures. It’s in every ‘please’, ‘thank you’, smile given to a stranger, or a helping hand extended to someone in need.

Their kindness isn’t selective or conditional. They’re just as kind to the waiter as they are to the CEO.

To them, everyone deserves respect and decency because they believe in the fundamental goodness of people.

This heartfelt kindness leaves a lasting impression on people around them, making them stand out as truly classy individuals.

7) They value authenticity

I remember a time when I felt immense pressure to fit in, to conform to societal norms and expectations. It was a struggle to maintain an image that didn’t reflect who I truly was.

Then I met someone who taught me the importance of authenticity. This person was unapologetically themselves, embracing their quirks and individuality without fear of judgment. Their classiness didn’t come from trying to be someone else but from being true to who they were.

They weren’t perfect and they knew it, but they owned their flaws as much as they did their strengths. Their honesty and authenticity were refreshing in a world filled with pretense.

Classy people, I’ve learned, are authentic. They aren’t afraid to be themselves, and their genuine nature is what truly sets them apart.

8) They prioritize self-improvement

Classy people understand that learning and growth are lifelong processes. They don’t rest on their laurels or become complacent with their achievements. Instead, they are always looking for ways to improve and grow.

Whether it’s mastering a new skill, reading a book to gain a new perspective, or seeking feedback on their work, they are always eager to learn.

This commitment to self-improvement isn’t driven by insecurity or the need to be better than others. It’s born out of a genuine love for learning and a desire to be the best version of themselves.

By prioritizing self-improvement, classy people exhibit a growth mindset that inspires those around them.

9) They treat everyone with respect

At the core of classiness lies a fundamental respect for all. Classy people understand that everyone, regardless of their status, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

They don’t believe in hierarchy when it comes to respect. They treat the janitor with the same kindness and courtesy they would extend to a CEO.

This trait is perhaps the most defining characteristic of a classy person. It displays their value for humanity and their belief in equality.

Rspect is not something you demand, it’s something you inspire. And classy people inspire it beautifully through their behavior.

Final thoughts: It’s all about choices

The traits that define class are not innate. They are learned behaviors and conscious choices that individuals make every day.

It’s about treating everyone with respect, irrespective of their status. It’s choosing kindness over aggression, authenticity over pretense, and understanding over judgment.

These behaviors don’t just make a person classy; they make them a better human being. They inspire others and elevate the standards of human interactions.

Remember, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Manners are the happy ways of doing things.” So, being classy isn’t just about looking good or impressing others; it’s about finding joy in treating people with respect and kindness.

As you go about your day, reflect on these behaviors. Which ones do you already exhibit? Which ones do you want to cultivate? The journey to becoming a classier person starts with this introspection.