12 Things You Don't Realize You're Doing That Make You A Classy Person

Are you classier than you give yourself credit for?

A woman stands in an urban setting with blurred buildings in the background. She wears a dark hat and a grey coat, with one hand adjusting her coat and the other touching her face. She has long, dark hair and a thoughtful expression.

People who have class don’t need to announce that fact: it’s blatantly apparent to anyone who has eyes to see. The 12 things listed below may be second nature to you, but they signal to others that you’re a classy person, inside and out.

1. Abstaining from vulgarity.

Two women standing and shaking hands in a bright, modern hallway. One woman, with long dark hair and dressed in a beige blazer, is smiling. The other woman, with long blonde hair, is seen from the back, wearing a white shirt and dark skirt.

There’s a time and a place for swearing, but it shouldn’t be used in polite conversation unless absolutely necessary. If you speak without being crass or vulgar, that signals to everyone within earshot that you’re a classier person than many others they’ll cross paths with on a regular basis.

2. Active listening, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak.

Two men are standing outdoors, leaning on a black railing. One man is holding a coffee cup while looking at the other, who holds a smartphone and smiles. Both are dressed casually in jackets with sherpa linings. A building and cloudy sky are visible in the background.

People with class pay attention to what others are saying and acknowledge what they’ve said in an active manner, rather than talking over them or impatiently waiting for their own turn to speak. This also shows respect and courtesy toward others, which is appreciated by pretty much everyone.

3. Speaking in measured tones without filler words and sounds.

A woman with a bright smile, wearing a gray shirt, holds a cup of coffee while looking at another person with curly red hair. They are in a cozy indoor setting with bookshelves in the background.

A person who speaks in a calm, measured tone without an overabundance of filler words or grunts gives the impression of being both classy and well educated. There is no rush to speak in any given circumstance: take your time to formulate your thoughts, and speak as though you were royalty.

4. Having decent table manners.

A distinguished man with a beard and mustache, wearing a beige suit and a navy polka-dot tie, is seated at a restaurant table. He is holding a fork and knife, about to eat from a plated meal. A glass of red wine is on the table beside him.

Etiquette is appreciated by everyone, especially when dining in company. In fact, most people get embarrassed by those who have abysmal table manners. You’ll show everyone how classy you are if you know which utensils to use, and don’t simply slurp food off your plate like a basset hound (notwithstanding cultural norms).

5. Being polite to everyone, regardless of perceived status.

Two men, one older and one younger, face each other with broad smiles in an outdoor setting. The older man has gray hair and a beard, wearing a denim shirt. The younger man has a beard and is wearing a checkered shirt. They are greeting each other warmly, with hands on each other's shoulders. Bright sunlight and charming buildings can be seen in the background.

A classy person will show the same amount of respect and decency toward everyone they meet, regardless of that person’s perceived social position, celebrity status, income, or cultural background. They recognize that everyone is deserving of both courtesy and dignity, and thus treat them accordingly at all times.

6. Being humble.

A woman with long hair stands in front of a yellow and white arched structure, smiling and looking to her left. She is wearing a light beige trench coat over a black and white striped top, with her hands in the coat pockets.

You don’t behave in an arrogant manner, believing yourself to be “better” than anyone else. Even if you’ve achieved great acclaim as a celebrated athlete or author, you don’t brag about your accolades or behave with entitlement.

“There is no respect for others without humility in one’s self.” – Henri-Frédéric Amiel

7. Not discussing details about your intimate life.

A woman with short, dark hair and wearing glasses looks at the camera with a slight smile. She is dressed in a white and black patterned blouse against a light green background.

Activities of the bedroom may be an important part of most people’s lives, but that doesn’t mean it’s an appropriate subject to discuss with strangers or colleagues. Similarly, unless you have your partner’s consent to discuss incredibly personal details about your shared intimacies, doing so is completely uncouth.

8. Keeping your healthcare concerns to yourself.

A man standing outdoors with arms crossed and smiling. He is wearing a light gray t-shirt and has short brown hair. The background shows a sunlit path surrounded by lush greenery.

If you’re feeling poorly and someone asks how you’re doing, you might answer with “a bit under the weather, but otherwise great, thanks” instead of launching into a description of the awful health complaints you’re contending with, in excruciatingly graphic detail. Nobody but you and your doctor need to know all that.

9. Dressing well.

A man with short hair and a beard sits at a desk using a laptop. He is wearing a brown shirt over a gray T-shirt and is smiling while raising his right arm in a fist of victory. The background features shelves with plants and books.

This doesn’t mean that you have to adhere to contemporary fashion standards, but rather that you put effort into ensuring that you don’t look “slovenly”. Your clothes are kept clean and mended, and you don’t show a gratuitous amount of flesh unless you’re on the beach or in a similarly appropriate setting.

10. Contained and measured body language.

A young woman with long brown hair and dressed in a white blouse and beige coat sits on a yellow bench outdoors. She gazes off to the side with a contemplative expression. The background shows an urban street setting.

Moving with grace, having good posture, and not breathing through your mouth are all signs of class. Similarly, sitting in an elegant manner rather than slumping or sprawling are marks of gentility that are recognized and admired by others. Good composure of mind and body is a quiet and obvious display of class.

11. Expressing sincere gratitude.

A woman with long red hair, wearing a grey sweater, smiles while holding a cup of coffee. She is facing another person with red hair who is turned away from the camera, wearing a red and white checkered shirt. The background is blurred outdoors.

When someone does something for you that you truly appreciate, or gives you a gift that means a great deal to you, then you thank them sincerely. This might involve calling them up to thank them, or writing them a card to express your gratitude. You take nothing for granted.

12. Remaining true to your principles without being loud about it.

A woman with long, light brown hair smiles brightly at the camera while standing outdoors on a sunny day. She is wearing a white short-sleeve shirt and has one hand resting on her hip. A street with parked cars and greenery is visible in the background.

A classy person who has strong convictions about something—which could encompass faith, lifestyle choice, dietary preferences, and so on—they hold true to them in a quiet, gracious manner rather than virtue signaling about them. You know that you don’t need anyone else to validate the choices that mean the most to you.