We all yearn to be classy, don’t we? But are we?
It’s a question that can keep you up at night.
You make an effort to dress well, to speak eloquently, and act with grace. And what do you get in return?
You guessed it…doubts. Are you genuinely classy or just pretending?
Sometimes, it can feel like you’re just playing a role, like your efforts are not authentic. If you’re questioning this, you’re not alone.
Many women wonder if they’re truly classy or just good at keeping up appearances.
That being said, you might be more genuinely classy than you think. The signs aren’t always obvious.
Now, I’m going to share some subtle behaviors that separate genuinely classy women from those just pretending.
Some may surprise you.
As you read this, bear in mind that my intention is not to make you doubt yourself further.
If you feel like you’re pretending, perhaps it’s time for a little introspection.
I’m merely giving insight into some subtle behaviors that people often overlook.
Maybe you’re already aware of them…
…let’s find out.
1) Understanding the difference between class and extravagance
When I was in my early twenties, I believed that class was all about expensive clothes and luxury cars.
But here’s the thing – it’s not.
A genuinely classy woman knows that class has little to do with material possessions. It’s about poise, grace, and elegance.
I remember meeting a woman at a charity event. She wore simple attire, drove a modest car but her aura was different. She carried herself with grace and dignity, spoke kindly and listened attentively.
That’s when it struck me – she was classy without being ostentatious.
2) Respecting others irrespective of their status
My grandmother was a woman of few words, but she taught me some invaluable lessons. One of them was respect.
She used to say, “A classy woman treats the janitor with the same respect as she treats the CEO”.
Years later, while working at my first job, I encountered a woman who embodied this lesson.
She treated everyone with kindness and respect, irrespective of their position in the company. She was admired by all and that’s when I realized – genuine class is about how you treat other people, not how others treat you.
3) Expressing gratitude regularly
Gratitude is not just a virtue; it plays a significant role in our overall happiness.
According to a study by the University of Miami, people who express gratitude on a regular basis are generally happier, less depressed, and less stressed.
Classy women understand the importance of expressing gratitude. It’s not about grand gestures. A simple “thank you” or a heartfelt note can make all the difference.
It’s about recognizing the kindness of others and acknowledging it. This is a subtle behavior that truly distinguishes a genuinely classy woman from those just pretending.
4) Showing empathy in difficult situations
There’s a difference between sympathy and empathy. Sympathy is feeling for someone while empathy is feeling with someone. Classy women know the difference and always choose empathy.
I have seen this in action many times. I’ve seen women step into the shoes of others, truly feeling their pain, offering a shoulder to lean on, and words of comfort.
This ability to empathize, to not just offer kind words but to truly share in another’s emotions, is a hallmark of genuine class. It’s not something you can fake; it comes from deep within the heart.
5) Remaining humble despite success
I’ve met some incredibly successful women in my life. Women who’ve climbed the corporate ladder, started their own businesses, or made significant breakthroughs in their fields.
But there’s one thing that has always struck me about the truly classy ones – their humility.
I recall a conversation with a woman who had just been named CEO of a major corporation. Instead of basking in her achievement, she humbly acknowledged the team effort that had led to her appointment, and the mentors who had guided her along the way.
That conversation stuck with me. It reminded me that true class is about remaining humble, no matter how high you rise.
It’s about understanding that your accomplishments are not just your own, but a culmination of the support and guidance you’ve received along the way.
6) Embracing authenticity
Authenticity is the hallmark of a genuinely classy woman.
She knows who she is and doesn’t try to be someone else. She is comfortable in her own skin and doesn’t feel the need to put on a facade to fit in or impress others.
I remember when I first started my career, I felt the pressure to conform to a certain image. I thought that’s what it meant to be ‘classy’.
But over the years, I’ve learned that there’s nothing classier than being true to yourself.
7) Practicing good manners
Good manners never go out of style. They reflect one’s upbringing and understanding of respect for others.
And it’s not about knowing which fork to use at a fancy dinner. It’s about saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, not interrupting when someone else is speaking, and genuinely listening when others talk.
My mother drilled this into me from a young age. She insisted that good manners cost nothing but mean everything. And over time, I’ve come to realize just how right she was.
8) Exuding confidence without arrogance
Confidence is attractive, arrogance is not.
A classy woman exudes confidence, but she does it without seeming arrogant or boastful. She’s secure in her abilities and accomplishments, yet she doesn’t feel the need to flaunt them.
I learned this from a dear friend of mine. She’s one of the most accomplished women I know, but she carries her success lightly. She believes in herself, but she never belittles others to make herself shine brighter.
9) Valuing quality over quantity
From relationships to possessions, a classy woman values quality over quantity.
She’d rather have a few close friends than a large group of acquaintances. She’d prefer one high-quality handbag over a dozen cheaper ones.
This is something I picked up from my aunt. She taught me that less is more, and that quality always trumps quantity. It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me and one that I believe truly sets apart genuinely classy women.
In conclusion, being classy is not about the exterior; it’s about the interior.
It’s about who you are as a person, how you treat others, and how you carry yourself.
And remember, true class is something that can’t be faked. It’s genuine, and it shines through in these subtle behaviors.
