7 ways to tell if your partner’s class is genuine or just for show

Ah, the allure of a classy partner! It’s easy to get swept up in their charm and sophistication, believing you’ve found someone truly exceptional. 

You revel in their good manners, cultured conversations, and the air of elegance they seem to effortlessly exude. 

But have you ever paused to wonder if it’s all authentic? 

In this article, we’re diving into 7 clear signs to help you discern whether your partner’s class is the real deal or just a perfectly executed performance. 

Because, let’s be honest, genuine class is a virtue — but a facade is a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.

1) They’re consistent

One of the truest tests of genuine class is consistency. Is your partner consistently courteous, not just to you but to everyone around them — from the restaurant server to the taxi driver? 

Do they maintain their composure and manners regardless of the situation? 

If you notice that their sophistication seems to come and go based on who they’re interacting with, that’s a red flag. 

Because genuine class doesn’t discriminate; it’s a way of life that extends to every circumstance and interaction. 

Someone who is authentically classy will exude the same level of respect and dignity whether they’re at a high-end gala or a casual get-together. 

Inconsistency in this regard could be a sign that their classiness is more of a calculated show than a true part of their character.

2) They have high emotional intelligence

Ever been around someone who just “gets it”? Someone who can read the room or know just what to say to ease a tense situation? 

That’s emotional intelligence at play, and it’s often tightly woven into the fabric of someone with true class.

In fact, people with real class display empathy and understanding regardless of the situation — whether things are going smoothly or spiraling out of control. 

They can connect with people on a deep level and make them feel seen, heard, and valued without pushing too hard or overstepping boundaries. 

And they can also approach conflicts with grace and finesse, rather than letting their emotions get the best of them and reacting in a way that might be considered unrefined or crass. 

If your partner has this innate sense of emotional wisdom, consider yourself lucky. They don’t just act classy; they truly make you feel good about yourself and those around you. 

3) They’re generous

Generosity is another hallmark of genuine class, and it goes way beyond merely picking up the tab at dinner or giving lavish gifts. 

True generosity is an orientation towards life; it’s a willingness to share not just material things but also time, attention, and even wisdom.

Have you ever noticed how your partner reacts when someone needs help or is going through a tough time? Do they offer a listening ear without making it all about themselves?

A truly classy person doesn’t think twice about helping others. And perhaps one of their most telling aspects is the absence of a “look at me” attitude. 

They don’t donate to charity just for the tax break or the social media applause. They do it because it’s the right thing to do, and because they genuinely care about making a positive impact.

What’s more, genuine generosity isn’t selective. It doesn’t discriminate based on someone’s social status, age, or background. Whether it’s helping an elderly neighbor with groceries or mentoring a young colleague at work, a classy individual extends their generosity universally.

So, take a closer look at your partner’s actions, big and small. If they show a generous spirit in multiple facets of life, that’s a robust sign their classiness is the real deal.

4) They’re humble

Now, you might think that class and humility don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand. After all, doesn’t being “classy” suggest a certain level of self-assuredness, maybe even a touch of arrogance?

But true class is deeply intertwined with humility. A genuinely classy person knows their worth but doesn’t feel the need to broadcast it to the world. They understand that true elegance and grace don’t require constant validation from others.

So think: have you ever caught your partner boasting about their accomplishments or name-dropping to impress others? If the answer is “no,” you’re onto something good. 

Classy people let their actions speak for themselves. They don’t announce when they’re helping others, and they don’t keep score in their relationships.

Humility also means recognizing that they don’t have all the answers and that there’s always room for growth and improvement. Whether they’re a CEO or a student, a truly classy person is always willing to learn and listen.

If your partner exhibits these traits, chances are their class isn’t just for show. It’s rooted in a genuine sense of humility that makes them not just a better partner, but a better person all around.

5) They avoid gossip

pic1328 7 ways to tell if your partner's class is genuine or just for show

We’ve all been there — caught up in a juicy piece of gossip that’s just too tantalizing to resist. But let’s take a moment and think: Does engaging in gossip align with being a classy individual? 

The short answer is no.

A person with genuine class understands the weight and impact words can have. They know that gossip not only harms the person it’s about but also diminishes the integrity of those who spread it. And that’s why they avoid it like the plague.

So, how does your partner handle gossip? Do they steer clear of office drama and neighborhood chatter? 

When someone tries to rope them into a spicy tidbit of hearsay, do they gracefully deflect and change the subject? 

These are indicators that your partner values not just their own reputation but also the dignity of others.

Avoiding gossip also showcases emotional maturity. It’s a sign that your partner understands the complexities of human behavior and chooses to seek understanding rather than passing judgment based on half-truths or assumptions.

6) They take accountability

In a world where it’s all too easy to blame others for our mistakes, taking accountability stands as a beacon of true class. 

Think about the last time your partner made a mistake — whether it was something minor like forgetting an anniversary or something more significant that impacted your relationship. 

How did they handle it? Did they own up to it immediately, or did they try to shift the blame onto someone else or something external?

A genuinely classy person knows that making a mistake is not the end of the world. What defines us is how we address those errors. 

They don’t shy away from their shortcomings or look for scapegoats. Instead, they face the music, however uncomfortable it may be, and take steps to rectify the situation.

Taking accountability also means listening and learning. It’s about hearing what the other person has to say, acknowledging their feelings, and making an effort to prevent making the same mistake in the future.

This level of maturity and self-awareness is incredibly appealing and a tell-tale sign that your partner’s classiness is not just skin deep but rooted in moral fiber.

7) They have integrity (even when it’s inconvenient)

Integrity is one of those words that’s often thrown around but not always understood in its full scope. To put it simply, integrity is doing the right thing even when nobody is watching — or even when doing the right thing is difficult.

So how does this tie into class? Quite seamlessly, actually. Integrity is often the backbone of genuine class; it’s what gives all the polished manners and eloquent conversations real substance.

Notice how your partner acts when they’re faced with ethical decisions, especially those that come with no immediate rewards or even present challenges. 

Do they still make the right choice? Say, returning extra change to a cashier, stepping in when they see someone being treated unfairly, or admitting to a mistake that nobody else noticed?

It’s easy to maintain a facade of class when you’re in the spotlight, when there’s something to gain. 

But having integrity even when it’s inconvenient reveals a depth of character that no amount of charm or sophistication can replace. 

It shows that your partner isn’t just committed to appearing classy but is invested in being a genuinely good person through and through.

Class is more than just a look, it’s a lifestyle

So there you have it — 7 tell-tale signs to help you determine if your partner’s class is genuine or just a well-crafted act. 

Remember, true class is not about expensive clothes, fine dining, or eloquent speeches. 

It’s a deep-rooted ethos that manifests in everyday actions and interactions, from treating everyone with respect and dignity to taking accountability for one’s actions.

If your partner embodies these qualities, congratulations, you’ve found someone whose class is as authentic as it gets.

And in a world that values highlight reels and likes, finding a partner with genuine class is like striking gold. 

It’s a rare blend of qualities that not only make them an extraordinary partner but also a remarkable human being. 

So, look beyond the surface; sometimes, the most authentic signs of class are the ones that don’t call for attention but speak volumes nonetheless.

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

Picture of Tina Fey

Tina Fey

I've ridden the rails, gone off track and lost my train of thought. I'm writing for Ideapod to try and find it again. Hope you enjoy the journey with me.

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