If you want to be a truly classy person, say goodbye to these 8 habits

Ever walk into a room and notice someone who just seems to have it all together?

They’re not showing off or anything; they just naturally make everyone want to up their own game.

That’s what being classy is all about.

It’s not about fancy clothes or big words. It’s about how you act and treat people.

Want to be that person? Awesome, but there are some habits you’ll need to drop first.

1. Gossiping

We’ve all done it—shared a juicy tidbit of information about someone when they’re not around.

It might feel good in the moment, but gossiping is a surefire way to make you look less classy.

When you gossip, you’re not just spreading potentially harmful information; you’re also showing that you can’t be trusted with secrets.

People might laugh along with you, but they’re also wondering what you say about them when they’re not there.

Want to be classy? Make it a rule to only say things about people that you would say to their face.

Trust me, word will get around that you’re a stand-up person, and that’s a key part of being classy.

2. Being Late All the Time

Look, life happens. We all run late sometimes because of traffic, a last-minute emergency, or losing track of time.

But if you’re always strolling in late—whether it’s to work, a dinner, or even a Zoom call—you’re sending a clear message: “My time is more important than yours.”

And let’s be real, that’s not classy, it’s just plain rude.

Being punctual shows that you respect other people’s time, and that’s a cornerstone of being a classy individual.

So set those reminders, plan your day, or do whatever you need to do to be on time.

People will take notice, and your classy stock will skyrocket.

3. Interrupting Others

We’ve all been in conversations where we’re just itching to get our point across.

Maybe you think your idea is groundbreaking or you’re just super excited to share. I get it; I’ve been there, bursting at the seams to speak my mind.

But cutting people off while they’re talking is not only impolite, it also says, “Hey, what I’ve got to say is way more important than what you’re saying.”

Let people finish their thoughts. Listen—actually listen—to what they’re saying.

Responding thoughtfully to someone shows that you respect them and their opinions, even if you disagree.

And trust me, people are more likely to listen to you when they feel heard themselves.

That’s the essence of a two-way street and a sure sign of a classy individual.

4. Over-Apologizing

Saying “sorry” is generally seen as a polite thing to do, right?

Well, over-apologizing for every little thing actually has the opposite effect; it can make you seem insecure or insincere.

You ever bump into someone slightly and both of you throw around “sorry” like it’s confetti?

After the third or fourth time, it starts to lose its meaning.

Being classy involves having confidence in your actions and owning up to your mistakes in a genuine way.

So instead of tossing out apologies left and right, be more mindful.

Save the “I’m sorry” for when you genuinely mean it and when it truly matters.

It’ll make your apologies more impactful, and it’ll make you look more confident and, yes, classier.

5. Being Glued to Your Phone

We live in a digital age, no doubt about it.

Our phones are our lifelines to a world of information, communication, and yes, a fair share of cat videos.

But if you’re that person who can’t put down their phone during a meal, meeting, or conversation, it’s time for a reality check.

By doing so, you’re basically telling the people around you that your screen is more interesting and important than they are.

I remember having dinner with a friend who kept checking her phone. Honestly, it made me wonder why I was even there.

The message it sends is, “You’re not worth my undivided attention,” and that’s the opposite of classy.

If you want to rise to that high-class level, your phone needs to take a back seat during social interactions.

Be in the moment. Show the people you’re with that they matter. That’s a hallmark of being a genuinely classy person.

6. Complaining Constantly

We all have bad days, and sometimes venting to a friend can feel like a much-needed release.

But if you’re always the person raining on everyone’s parade, complaining about your job, the weather, or the state of the world, you’re going to become a downer to be around.

No one likes a perpetual Debbie Downer.

I had a colleague once who would start every conversation with a complaint.

After a while, people began avoiding him, not because they didn’t care, but because his negativity was draining.

Complaining all the time doesn’t just bring down your mood; it impacts everyone around you.

Instead, try focusing on the positive aspects of your life and sharing those.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should never vent or talk about serious issues, but balance is key.

A positive outlook is not only good for your mental health; it also makes you much more pleasant to be around.

And let’s be honest, spreading good vibes is definitely a classy move.

7. Being a Know-It-All

You ever meet someone who thinks they have all the answers?

Whether it’s politics, sports, or which brand of coffee is the superior choice, they act like they’re the Wikipedia of human knowledge. It’s annoying, isn’t it?

Being a know-it-all doesn’t make you look smart; it makes you look arrogant. And arrogance is the antithesis of class.

No one likes to feel dumb in a conversation.

When you act like a know-it-all, you’re not just hogging the spotlight; you’re dimming everyone else’s light.

You might think you’re impressing people, but what you’re really doing is pushing them away.

Being classy means understanding that you don’t have all the answers—and that’s okay. It’s more than okay; it’s human.

The truly classy person is the one who listens, learns, and knows when to admit they’re wrong or don’t know something.

That kind of humility isn’t just refreshing; it’s downright attractive.

8. Overdoing “Politeness”

This one might throw you for a loop, but stick with me.

You’d think that being overly polite—saying ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘excuse me’ every other sentence—would make you the epitome of class.

Oddly enough, it can actually do the opposite.

When you overdo it with the formalities, you risk coming off as disingenuous or even sarcastic.

Have you ever been around someone who says “thank you” so much that it starts to feel like they’re doing it out of obligation rather than genuine gratitude?

I knew someone who was so hell-bent on being polite that conversations with him felt more like a scripted play than a real interaction.

Being classy is about authenticity.

Politeness should be an extension of your genuine feelings, not a mask you put on to fit a role.

So go ahead and be courteous, but keep it real.

People can usually tell the difference, and they’ll appreciate you for it.

Being genuinely respectful and kind—without laying it on too thick—is the real hallmark of a classy individual.

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.

Picture of Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the editor of Ideapod and founder of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 6 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. If you to want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Twitter or Facebook.

Enhance your experience of Ideapod and join Tribe, our community of free thinkers and seekers.

Related articles

Most read articles

Get our articles

Ideapod news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

0:00
0:00