Eliza Hartley
Growing classier as you age isn’t just about adding silk scarves and designer watches to your wardrobe. It’s more about your behavior.
In fact, there are a handful of behaviors that, when discarded, can instantly elevate your classiness quotient.
Being classy is all about showing respect for others, carrying yourself with elegance, and tactfully managing situations. And believe it or not, letting go of certain behaviors is the secret to embracing this elegance.
So if you’re looking to polish up a bit as you age, here are 9 behaviors that you should consider saying farewell to. Trust me, the result will be a more sophisticated and classy version of yourself.
1) Stop gossiping
Let’s start with a behavior that many of us are guilty of – gossiping.
Gossiping can seem harmless, even fun to some. It’s often used as a bonding tool, a way to connect with others over shared stories or opinions. But as you age, it quickly loses its appeal and starts to look more like a juvenile pastime.
The truth is, engaging in gossip isn’t classy at all. It reflects poorly on your character and shows a lack of respect for the privacy of others.
Being classy means being respectful, which includes respecting the personal lives and stories of others.
2) Letting emotions control you
Next is a behavior I personally struggled with for years – letting my emotions control me.
I remember when I used to let my anger or sadness overshadow my actions and words. Whether it was snapping at a loved one over a minor disagreement or letting a bad day at work affect my entire evening, I was at the mercy of my emotions.
As I grew older, I realized that this behavior was not only detrimental to my relationships but also stood in the way of me becoming a classier person.
Classiness is about maintaining your composure, even when faced with challenging situations. It’s about showing maturity in handling your emotions, not letting them rule over you.
And trust me, it wasn’t easy. But over time, I learned to control my reactions and respond rather than react.
3) Being late
Punctuality is a highly esteemed trait across various cultures globally. Take Japan, for instance, renowned for its strict adherence to schedules; trains run so precisely that even a minute’s delay might prompt a formal apology from the railway company.
Now, let’s talk about the flip side. Being fashionably late might sound cool, but in reality, it can seriously mess with your reputation. It screams, “I don’t respect your time,” and can make you seem a bit scattered or disorganized.
On the classy side of things, it’s all about showing that you value and respect others. That means showing up on time for your appointments, meetings, and hangouts. It’s a little thing, but it speaks volumes about your reliability and consideration for others.
4) Ignoring your manners
You might think it’s a no-brainer, but let me tell you, mastering basic manners is like adding a touch of finesse to your life’s repertoire.
A simple “please” and “thank you,” holding the door open for the person behind you, or giving someone your undivided attention when they’re talking – these little gestures speak volumes about your respect for others.
We all know that good manners exude class and elegance, and it’s not just for show. It’s about showing genuine consideration for those around you.
So, if you’re aiming to level up your sophistication game as you mature, polishing your manners is a fantastic starting point. Remember, it’s those small acts of courtesy that truly elevate how others perceive you.
5) Being overly critical
Constructive criticism has its place in the arsenal of personal development, no doubt about it. But let’s face it: drowning in a sea of constant negativity isn’t exactly the hallmark of sophistication.
When you’re constantly nitpicking or tearing down others, or even yourself, you’re creating a toxic vibe that nobody wants to swim in. Classy folks? They’re not about that life.
They understand that classiness means lifting others up, not tearing them down. They’re the ones who accentuate the positive and offer constructive feedback.
My advice? If you’re aiming for a level of class that could make James Bond raise an eyebrow, dial down the constant criticism. Instead, focus on fostering a culture of growth and positivity – for yourself and those around you.
6) Holding on to grudges
We’ve all been there, holding onto grudges like they’re trophies. But let’s face it: it’s exhausting and, frankly, a waste of time.
Clutching onto resentment doesn’t just sour your connection with the person you’re ticked off at; it eats away at your own happiness and inner peace.
I’ll leave you with this: Forgiveness isn’t just a gift you give to others; it’s a lifeline for your own mental health. After all, a classy individual? They’re all about that gracious, forgiving spirit.
7) Neglecting self-care
Once upon a time, I used to equate self-care with luxury and indulgence. I’d breeze through meals, burn the midnight oil, and push aside my well-being in the name of productivity.
But as the years rolled by, I had an epiphany: neglecting self-care was anything but classy. It was a disservice not only to myself but also to those who genuinely cared about me.
You see, being classy isn’t just about putting on a good show or mastering social graces. It’s about honoring yourself, inside and out. It’s about giving your physical, emotional, and mental well-being the attention it deserves.
8) Close-mindedness
A hallmark of becoming classier with age is the willingness to remain open-minded. Sticking to old ways of thinking or refusing to consider different perspectives can stifle growth and limit your understanding of the world.
Classy individuals appreciate the diversity of thoughts, experiences, and cultures. They don’t shy away from new ideas or perspectives, but rather, they embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Being open-minded doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything, but it does mean respecting others’ viewpoints and considering them before making a judgment.
9) Neglecting personal growth
Becoming more refined as you age isn’t just about polishing your exterior; it’s about nurturing personal growth from within. Neglecting this aspect of your life can lead to a stagnant existence, hardly a hallmark of classiness.
Classy individuals are perpetual students of life. They’re always on the lookout for opportunities to enrich themselves intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. For them, being classy isn’t a static state but an ongoing journey of self-improvement.
If you’re keen on refining your classiness quotient as you mature, prioritize personal growth. Embrace novel experiences, acquire fresh skills, and relentlessly pursue becoming the finest version of yourself.
After all, the most captivating trait of a classy individual is their unwavering dedication to evolving day by day.
Final thoughts: It’s all about evolution
The famous French writer, Victor Hugo, once said, “Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.” This quote beautifully captures the essence of what it means to be classy.
Being classy isn’t about putting on a facade or adopting a persona that’s alien to you. Rather, it’s about nurturing the best parts of you, shedding behaviors that don’t serve you or others well, and continuously growing towards becoming the best version of yourself.
It’s about holding on to your core values while adapting to the changing world around you. It’s about treating yourself and others with respect and dignity. It’s about carrying yourself in a way that exudes confidence and grace, not arrogance or pretentiousness.
