If you want to get classier as you get older, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors

Anyone can be fake classy.

Anyone can post a photo of their business class boarding pass or new luxury handbag and act like these things equate to class.

But the thing is… they don’t.

True classiness comes from deep within–and to gain it is relatively rare.

The classier you get, the more of an asset you are in life.

You’ll attract better opportunities, better friends, and better romantic partners.

So if you want to become classier, I’d consider that a worthy pursuit in life.

But first, you need to know what behaviors to avoid.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the behaviors you should avoid if you want to get classier as you age.

Let’s get to it then! 

1) Ignoring the importance of listening 

Contrary to popular belief, class isn’t all about how much money you have or how refined your tastes are. 

Class has a lot to do with how you behave around other people. 

So if you want to be classier, start actively listening to those around you, regardless of their background or status. 

By listening and giving someone else your full attention, you’re communicating respect, understanding, and thoughtfulness–increasingly rare traits in a world full of distractions. 

Things like talking over others or showing blatant disinterest in them, say by scrolling through Instagram as they speak, aren’t particularly classy. 

Instead, you’ll appear rude and self-centered–the latter being the antithesis of true class.

2) Neglecting personal grooming

Call me shallow, but in this world, appearances really do matter.

If you want to make a lasting positive impression, things like personal grooming and cleanliness are non-negotiables. 

Nobody wants to be around a slob for prolonged periods. 

We instinctively want to be around who can uplift us and make us better, more complete people in life. 

When you have regular hygiene practices and a neat appearance, you’re communicating self-respect and respect for those around you; something many of us can almost immediately pick up.

3) Being chronically late

I come from a society where being late is normalized and accepted. 

Yet still, one of my greatest pet peeves is when people are late. 

Why? Because consistently being late indicates a lack of consideration and respect for others’ time. 

Sure, being occasionally late is unavoidable. 

But when it becomes a habit, you’re drifting further from being genuinely classy.

I get it though, traffic can be a bitch.

But if I can make it on time, then, well, so can you. 

So stop making excuses. Thoroughly plan ahead.  

Punctuality shows that you value and respect your commitments–which is what class is all about.

4) Oversharing on social media

Genuinely classy people tend to show restraint and discretion. 

They value their privacy and spare the public from knowing every incessant detail of their private life.

I think we all know a few social media oversharers. 

Maybe they’ll constantly upload unsolicited selfies; or offer too much information about the trials and tribulations of their love life; or their daily exercise routine, and so on. 

Online validation in the form of likes and comments is a legitimate addiction. 

And I hate to break it to you but once you start oversharing, once you start uploading a constant stream of personal updates, this can come across as narcissistic. 

Classy people share thoughtfully and sparingly on social media. 

They tend to have a discerning, respectful, refined approach to their online presence, rather than simply blurting out whatever comes to mind.

5) Engaging in gossip

Truly classy people like to discuss ideas, concepts, innovation, philosophy, and things in that realm. 

Gossip is one of the lowest forms of conversational themes in life. 

So if you want to start cultivating your inherent classiness, stop talking about other people. 

Speaking negatively about others in particular will not only potentially harm your relationships, but it will also detract from your own character. 

In other words, leave the gossip to the high schoolers; you’re better than that. 

Elevate your conversations above gossip by keeping maturity and integrity always top of mind. 

When you do so, expect to notice changes in your life almost instantly.

6) Poor dining etiquette

When it comes to being classy, it’s the little things that count. 

Your table manners can say a lot about your background and breeding in life. 

Nobody is saying you have to take a pretentious etiquette course, but a general knowledge of basic table manners will go a long way. 

Don’t chew with your mouth open, put your napkin on your lap while eating, don’t gorge yourself on food, hold cutlery properly, etc. 

I know people well into adulthood who hold their forks as if they’re stabbing a corpse in a slasher movie. 

Frankly, this is not the most appetizing sight. 

7) Financial irresponsibility

From my experience, the classiest people aren’t the big spenders of the world, buying overpriced things, and living far beyond their means. 

This is where things get skewed. 

As established, many people think having a bit of money, status, and owning brand-name products immediately makes them classy. It doesn’t. 

Thinking this way is limiting. 

You can be considerably less ‘rich’ than someone and have far more class. 

Managing your finances wisely is a sign of maturity; this means budgeting, building savings, making informed investments, and so on. 

Flashy, loud displays of wealth can be tacky and irresponsible. 

So be smart and discreet about money if you want to build class instead of crass. 

See what I did there? 

8) Constant complaining

I used to think it was edgy, cool, and even humorous to always be complaining and pessimistic about everyone. 

But years later, I realized that my presence was probably quite insufferable for many. 

The truth is that nobody truly wants to be around Negative Nancy for lengthy periods. 

Life is stressful enough as it is; when you have someone constantly moaning and complaining in your vicinity, that tends to affect your overall morale.

Oh, and it isn’t particularly classy. 

A positive outlook is not only rare in this day and age, it’s seen as gracious and mature. 

And rightfully so. 

Honing in on solutions rather than nuisances can improve both your demeanor and overall life satisfaction; not to mention your relationships with other people.

Final words

If you want to get classier as you get older, take it a day at a time.

I know the contents of this article might seem a little overwhelming.

But small actions taken consistently will pay off in the end. 

Be mindful. Be patient. Celebrate milestones, both big and small.

If you can wake up tomorrow just a little better (and classier), than you did yesterday, you’re in a good place.

Soon, being classy will come naturally to you; and at that point, you’ll be unstoppable.