Ethan Sterling
Being a high-class person isn’t just about wealth or lifestyle. It’s about character, values, and how you treat others.
Psychology tells us that high class is about the attitudes you hold and how you interact with the world around you.
In this piece, we’ll delve into 10 signs that, according to psychological research, indicate that you are a high-class person, irrespective of your financial status.
So sit back and let’s explore these ten traits – you might be more high-class than you think!
1) You value quality over quantity
Being a high-class person isn’t about having the most things, but rather about valuing the quality of what you have.
This distinction is key. It’s about appreciating the finer details, understanding the worth of things not just in monetary terms, but in their craftsmanship, their heritage, and their meaning to you.
It’s a concept rooted in psychology.
As famous psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.” The idea is that a well-crafted item or experience, no matter how simple, is more valuable than an inferior one.
So, if you find yourself gravitating towards quality over quantity in your choices, you’re exhibiting a trait common among high-class individuals.
2) You exude empathy
Ever been in a situation where you could truly feel what someone else was going through?
That’s empathy in action, and it’s a hallmark trait of a high-class person.
I remember a time when my friend was going through a tough breakup.
Despite not having gone through the same experience myself, I could genuinely feel her pain and sadness. I spent hours on the phone with her, listening, understanding, and offering a comforting presence.
Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good.”
That’s the power of empathy.
3) You accept your flaws
Nobody’s perfect, and high-class individuals are no exception.
The difference? They acknowledge and accept their flaws.
I’ve made mistakes in my life, and I bet you have too.
I’ve said things I shouldn’t have, I’ve hurt people I care about, and there are times when I’ve let myself down.
But instead of denying these flaws, I’ve learned to accept them as part of who I am.
It’s this acceptance that allows us to grow.
If you’re raw and honest about your imperfections and use them as stepping stones to become a better person, that’s a sign of being high-class. It takes a lot of courage to face our flaws, but it’s a journey worth taking.
4) You practice mindfulness
Mindfulness, the act of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, is a practice often seen in high-class individuals.
In my life, I’ve found that practicing mindfulness has allowed me to appreciate the subtleties of each moment.
Whether it’s really tasting my morning coffee or taking a moment to appreciate a beautiful sunset, mindfulness has enriched my life in countless ways.
Famous psychologist Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.”
In essence, mindfulness is a trait that elevates not just our experiences, but our character too.
5) You’re comfortable with silence
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with noise and information, being comfortable with silence can seem counterintuitive.
But it’s a trait often found among high-class individuals.
You see, silence isn’t just about the absence of sound.
It’s about being comfortable with your thoughts, taking time to reflect, and being okay with solitude.
Do you appreciate the quiet moments in life?
Do you use silence as a tool for reflection and creativity?
These are all signs you’re a high-class person.
6) You show resilience
High-class individuals tend to show resilience in the face of adversity.
Resilience is about:
- Bouncing back from setbacks
- Learning from your failures
- And not letting hardships deter you from your path
Psychologist Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”
In the end, resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving despite the odds.
7) You respect boundaries
Respecting boundaries – both your own and those of others – is paramount to high-class individuals.
I’ve learned over time that establishing and respecting boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. It’s about understanding the limits of what is acceptable and what isn’t, both for yourself and for others.
The responsibility of recognizing and respecting boundaries might be daunting, but it’s a necessary part of life.
8) You embrace change
Change is inevitable, and how we respond to it speaks volumes about our character. High-class individuals don’t just tolerate change; they embrace it.
Change can be uncomfortable, even scary. It’s a leap into the unknown, a departure from the familiar. But it’s also an opportunity for growth and new experiences.
As someone who welcomes change, and sees it as an opportunity rather than a threat, you’re showcasing a key trait of a high-class person.
After all, it’s not always easy, but it’s a sign of strength and adaptability.
9) You practice gratitude
Finally, practicing gratitude isn’t just about saying ‘thank you’. It’s about truly appreciating what you have in your life.
That’s a trait I’ve observed in many high-class individuals.
I’ve found that taking a moment each day to acknowledge the good in my life has had a profound impact. It’s shifted my focus from what I lack to what I have, and that’s made all the difference.
Robert Emmons, a leading scientific expert on gratitude, found that individuals who cultivate gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of life, demonstrate a key sign of being a high-class person.
