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Being a true gentleman isn’t just about what you wear or how you speak. It’s also about the way you behave.
Let’s be honest. Some behaviors are just not classy. They don’t show respect for others, and they certainly don’t show respect for yourself.
If you’re aiming to be a genuinely classy man, there are a few things you need to let go of.
In this article, we’ll discuss 10 behaviors that have no place in the life of a truly classy man. And trust me, once you say goodbye to these, you’ll notice the difference.
1) Gossiping
Let’s begin with a behavior that isn’t just unclassy, it’s downright ugly.
Gossiping.
There’s nothing that screams “I’m not a gentleman” more than spreading rumors or talking behind someone’s back.
A truly classy man knows that everyone has their own journey, their own struggles and triumphs, and respects that. He doesn’t waste his time speculating about the lives of others.
Moreover, gossiping is a reflection of insecurity. And a secure, classy man doesn’t need to bring others down to feel good about himself.
So, if you find yourself tempted to share that juicy piece of gossip, remember this: the words you speak say more about you than they do about the person you’re talking about.
Say goodbye to gossiping and you’re one step closer to being a truly classy man.
2) Being rude to service staff
This one hits close to home for me.
A few years ago, I was out for dinner with an old friend. The restaurant was packed and the staff were clearly under pressure. They were doing their best, but there were delays.
My friend, usually a nice guy, started berating our waiter for the slow service. His tone was harsh and his words were disrespectful.
I remember feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed. It wasn’t the waiter’s fault, yet he was taking the brunt of my friend’s frustration.
That night, I realized something important: how a man treats those who serve him says a lot about his character.
A truly classy man treats everyone with respect, regardless of their job or status. He understands that everyone is doing their best and deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness.
So, if you find yourself getting impatient or irritated with service staff, take a deep breath and remember this story. Treating others with kindness is a hallmark of a truly classy man.
3) Swearing excessively
Swearing can be a tricky subject. After all, a well-placed curse word can sometimes express our feelings better than any other. However, there’s a line between using colorful language for emphasis and relying on it as a crutch.
Excessive swearing can come off as unrefined and even aggressive. It’s often viewed as a lack of vocabulary and creativity.
But here’s something you might not know: according to a study by psychologists at Marist College, people who swear frequently are likely to have a larger vocabulary than those who don’t. It’s not about a lack of words, but rather the choice of which ones to use.
A classy man knows when to keep his language clean. He understands that words have power, and chooses his carefully. So, if your speech is peppered with more four-letter words than a sailor’s, it might be time to refine your language.
4) Lack of punctuality
Time is the one thing we can’t get back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
That’s why being late is seen as such a sign of disrespect. It sends a clear message: “My time is more important than yours.”
A truly classy man understands the value of time. He respects not only his own but also the time of others.
So if you’re constantly running late, it’s time to take a good look at your time management skills. Plan better, leave earlier, do whatever you have to do to be on time.
Remember, punctuality isn’t about being there at the stroke of the hour. It’s about respecting other people’s time and showing them that they matter.
5) Bragging
Confidence is attractive. Arrogance, on the other hand, is a turn-off.
Bragging about your achievements, wealth, or skills doesn’t make you seem impressive. Instead, it often comes across as insecure and attention-seeking.
A truly classy man knows his worth and doesn’t feel the need to constantly prove himself to others. He lets his actions speak for him.
If you’ve done something impressive, people will notice. There’s no need to shout it from the rooftops.
So next time you feel the urge to brag, take a step back and let your actions do the talking. Class is about subtlety and humility, not a constant need for validation.
6) Ignoring the feelings of others
We’ve all had those days where we’re so wrapped up in our own world that we forget to consider the feelings of those around us.
But ignoring the feelings of others isn’t just unkind, it’s downright unclassy.
A truly classy man understands that everyone has their own emotions, their own struggles, and their own joys. He takes the time to understand and respect these feelings.
It’s about empathy, about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. It’s about understanding that everyone is fighting their own battle.
So, take a moment. Listen to others, really listen. Try to understand where they’re coming from. Show them that you care.
Because a truly classy man isn’t just remembered for what he does, he’s remembered for how he makes others feel.
7) Not admitting when you’re wrong
There was a time when I would rather chew glass than admit I was wrong.
I thought admitting a mistake was a sign of weakness. That it would make me look incompetent or foolish.
But I’ve come to realize that refusing to admit when you’re wrong isn’t just stubborn, it’s unclassy.
A truly classy man isn’t afraid to say, “I was wrong”. He sees mistakes not as failures but as opportunities to learn and grow.
So, the next time you make a mistake, don’t try to cover it up or shift the blame. Admit it, learn from it, and move on. It’s a sign of maturity, humility, and class.
8) Always needing to win
Contrary to popular belief, winning isn’t everything.
Sure, it’s great to come out on top. But there’s more to life than always being the best, the richest, or the most successful.
Being obsessed with winning can make you lose sight of what truly matters: personal growth, relationships, and happiness.
A truly classy man understands that life isn’t a competition. He values cooperation over competition and sees the value in helping others succeed.
So, instead of focusing on always being number one, try celebrating the success of others. You’ll find that life is much more fulfilling when it’s not all about winning.
9) Neglecting personal hygiene
Let’s be candid here. No one wants to be around someone who smells bad or neglects their personal hygiene.
It’s not just about smelling nice. It’s about self-respect and respect for those around you.
A truly classy man takes care of himself. He understands that good personal hygiene is a sign of respect for himself and for those he interacts with.
So, pay attention to your grooming habits. Keep your nails trimmed, your hair neat, and wear clean clothes. And always, always brush your teeth.
Remember, being classy isn’t just about how you behave, it’s also about how you take care of yourself.
10) Disrespecting boundaries
At the very core of being a truly classy man is respect.
Respect for others, respect for yourself, and especially respect for boundaries.
A classy man understands that everyone has their own comfort zones and personal space. He understands the importance of “no” and never pushes someone to do something they’re uncomfortable with.
So, always respect the boundaries set by others. Whether it’s a physical boundary, an emotional one, or even a time boundary, respecting it shows that you value the other person’s comfort and well-being.
That, above all else, is what being a truly classy man is all about.
Final reflection: Class is a journey
Being truly classy isn’t about being perfect. It’s about striving for better each day, learning from our mistakes, and treating others with kindness and respect.
The transformation to becoming a classy man isn’t a quick process. It’s a journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to change.
The behaviors we’ve discussed aren’t simply about what you do or don’t do. They’re about the kind of person you choose to be.
It’s about understanding that everyone around you is fighting their own battle. It’s about respecting others, regardless of their status or position. It’s about being humble in your victories and gracious in your defeats.
Remember, being classy isn’t just about the suit you wear or the car you drive. It’s about how you treat people when no one is watching.
As the famous author and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar once said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”
So, as we conclude our discussion on classiness, take a moment to reflect on your journey so far and the kind of person you aspire to be. Because at the end of the day, true class comes from within.