Tina Fey
Getting classier as you age isn’t always about the clothes you wear or the books you read. Much of it comes down to behavior.
Let’s be honest, some habits can really undermine your classiness. They might have been okay when we were younger, but as we get older, it’s time to let them go.
To age with class requires conscious effort and sometimes, saying goodbye to certain behaviors.
In this article, I will share seven behaviors you may want to drop if you aspire to be classier as you age.
Let’s get started.
1) Gossiping
We all know that gossiping isn’t exactly a classy behavior. However, as we get older, its impact on our image can be even more damaging.
Gossiping can be seen as a juvenile habit, something we should have outgrown after high school. As adults, it reflects poorly on us and can quickly ruin our reputation.
When we engage in gossip, we’re not just spreading rumors or unnecessary negativity. We’re also showing a lack of discretion and respect for others’ privacy.
As we age, we should strive to be more empathetic and understanding. Instead of indulging in gossip, try engaging in more constructive conversations.
2) Being late
I used to be notoriously late for everything. Meetings, dinners, even movies. It was almost a running joke among my friends. But as I got older, I realized that it wasn’t funny, it was disrespectful.
Being late implies that your time is more valuable than the time of others. It’s a behavior that screams ‘I don’t care about you or your time’. For me, it was a difficult habit to break but an important one.
I started setting multiple alarms and leaving extra time for unexpected delays. And it made a huge difference. Not only did I stop rushing everywhere, but I also saw a shift in how people treated me.
3) Being overly competitive
Competition can be a driving force in our lives. It pushes us to strive for excellence, to better ourselves. But when it becomes all-consuming, it can actually hinder our growth.
People who are overly competitive tend to be less successful in the long run. They’re so focused on beating others that they lose sight of their own goals and potential.
In essence, being overly competitive can prevent us from developing true class, which is about self-improvement and personal growth rather than trying to outdo everyone else.
As we get older, it’s important to shift our focus from competing with others to competing with ourselves. By doing so, we can become classier and more successful in a meaningful way.
4) Neglecting your manners
It may seem like a small thing, but manners matter. They’re the glue that holds society together, the oil that smooths our social interactions.
As we age, neglecting our manners can project an image of rudeness or carelessness. Simple acts like saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, respecting personal space, and listening when others speak can make a world of difference.
Manners are a reflection of respect – for ourselves and for others. And respect is an essential aspect of class.
5) Taking things for granted
A few years back, I went through a health scare that shook me to my core. It made me realize how much I had been taking my health and life for granted.
This behavior of taking things for granted can rob us of our ability to appreciate the beauty and blessings that surround us. It can make us seem ungrateful and entitled, which is far from classy.
As we age, it’s important to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. It’s about appreciating what we have, instead of focusing on what we don’t. This shift in mindset can make us classier, happier, and more humble.
6) Being judgmental
We all have our opinions and beliefs. But when we start imposing them on others and judging them based on our standards, it becomes a problem.
Being judgmental can create distance and resentment in our relationships. It can also prevent us from learning and growing because we’re too busy passing judgement to open our minds to new perspectives.
As we get older, it’s important to practice empathy and understanding instead of judgement. This can help us become classier, more compassionate individuals.
Nobody is perfect, including ourselves. Accepting this truth can make us more accepting of others as well.
7) Neglecting self-improvement
The most important aspect of becoming classier as we age is never stopping our journey of self-improvement. It’s about constantly seeking to learn, grow, and become a better version of ourselves.
Neglecting self-improvement can lead to stagnation and complacency. It can prevent us from reaching our fullest potential and living a fulfilling life.
If you truly want to get classier as you get older, embrace the journey of self-improvement. It’s a lifelong commitment, but one that’s worth every step.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
As Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of aging with class. It’s about learning, evolving, and constantly striving to be a better version of ourselves.
Remember, classiness has less to do with external appearances and more to do with our behavior, attitude, and values. It’s about respect, empathy, integrity, and personal growth.
As you reflect on these seven behaviors, consider which ones resonate with you. Which ones do you need to say goodbye to? Which ones might be your next steps on your journey towards becoming classier as you age?
It’s never too late to start this journey. After all, in the grand scheme of life, we are all works in progress.
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