By 
Being a man is simply a matter of birth. But being a gentleman or a classy man, now that’s a matter of choice.
It’s about how we act and what we do, but perhaps more importantly, what we don’t do.
With this in mine, we’re going to explore seven things classy men never do in their personal lives.
Let’s get to it.
1) Disrespect people with less status
“It is illogical to reason thus, ‘I am richer than you, therefore I am superior to you’, ‘I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am superior to you.’ It is more logical to reason, ‘I am richer than you, therefore my property is superior to yours’, ‘I am more eloquent than you, therefore my speech is superior to yours.’ You are something more than property or speech.” – Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus, 1916)
The essence of class lies not in how a man treats his equals but in how he interacts with those from whom he has nothing to gain.
A classy man understands the importance of respect. They know that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and dignity, regardless of their status or position in society.
It’s easy to show respect when it serves your interests. But a truly classy man extends courtesy and kindness to everyone he meets, not just those who can help him climb the social ladder.
They refrain from insulting or belittling others. Even in the face of disagreement or conflict, they maintain a level of respect that sets them apart.
2) Break their promises
One of the things that I’ve learned as I’ve grown older is the importance of keeping your word. Integrity is essential to being a man of class.
I remember a situation in which I had promised a close friend that I would help him move. However, on that day, an exciting work opportunity came up. It would have been so easy to back out and chase the opportunity.
But I didn’t. Why? Because a real man always keeps his promises.
Breaking your word is a surefire way to lose people’s trust and respect. When you make a promise, people rely on you. They put their faith in you. And when you break that promise, it’s not just an action that is forgotten; it’s a blow to your character.
For classy men, their word is their bond, and they go to great lengths to keep it. No matter how big or small the promise is, they always follow through.
This is not to say that they never face difficulties or unexpected situations, but they handle those times with grace and honesty. Instead of making empty promises, they communicate openly and always strive to keep their commitments. And that, my friends, is the mark of a truly classy man.
3) Gossip
There’s a saying that small minds discuss people, while great minds discuss ideas. Classy men fall into the latter category.
They understand that it’s not only unproductive but also damaging to relationships and trust.
They don’t spread rumors or share other people’s secrets, and they don’t engage in petty talk behind people’s backs. Instead, they focus on meaningful and enriching conversations.
Classy men know that words have power, and they choose to use that power to build rather than destroy. They speak well of others or not at all. Rather than engaging in gossip, they engage in discussions that matter – about ideas, experiences, and aspirations.
4) Ignore those they care about
We live in a busy world, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life. But real men make time for those who matter to them.
They understand that relationships are the bedrock of a fulfilling life, and they never take them for granted. Be it family, friends, or significant others, they make an effort to show their appreciation and care.
They may have numerous responsibilities and commitments, but they never let these become an excuse to ignore the people they care about. They understand that in the grand scheme of things, it’s the love, connections, and moments shared with loved ones that truly matter.
5) Shy away from apologies
We all make mistakes. I’ve made my fair share, too.
But the truth is, classy men understand the value of an apology. They know that saying “I’m sorry” isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength, courage, and integrity.
When they’re wrong, they admit it. They don’t let pride get in the way of making things right. They understand that apologies are not just about mending fences; they’re about growing and learning.
An apology can mend a broken relationship, heal old wounds, and foster understanding.
6) Lose their temper unnecessarily
“Anger is unwarrantable as it is unjust: for it falls many times upon the wrong person, and discharges itself upon the innocent instead of the guilty” – Seneca (Seneca’s Morals, 1882)
Emotions are a part of being human. We all feel anger, frustration, and annoyance.
However, these men know the importance of controlling their emotions rather than letting their emotions control them.
They understand that losing their temper doesn’t solve problems; it often just creates new ones. They never let a momentary surge of emotion cause irreversible damage.
Instead, they practice patience and self-control. They know when to speak when to remain silent, and when to walk away from situations that might provoke unnecessary anger.
Whether it’s dealing with a difficult situation or handling a disagreement, they manage to stay calm and composed. They express their feelings in a healthy and respectful way without resorting to harsh words or aggressive behavior.
7) Stop learning and improving
Life is a journey of constant learning and growth. Distinguished men know this. They understand that true class comes from wisdom, and wisdom comes from never-ending curiosity and learning.
They’re always seeking to improve themselves, not out of a sense of inadequacy but out of a love for personal growth. They read, they listen, they question, and they learn.
Whether it’s picking up a new skill, deepening their knowledge in a particular field, or working to improve their character, they’re proactive in their self-improvement.
They know that being classy isn’t a destination but a journey. A journey of learning, growth, and continuous improvement. At the end of the day, the classiest thing a man can do is strive to be the best version of himself.
A final thought: Class is a journey
The true measure of class is reflected in one’s character, in the choices one makes, and in the respect one shows towards others.
It’s about embracing the journey of personal growth and continuously striving to be the best version of oneself.
As you navigate your personal life, remember that class isn’t defined by what you have or where you come from. It’s defined by who you are and how you treat others.
As always, I hope you found some value in this post.
Have we missed any behaviors? Let us know in the comments!
Stay classy.