There’s an old saying, “class is permanent.”

Class, in this context, isn’t about wealth or status. It’s about how you conduct yourself and interact with others.

Psychology tells us that the words we choose to express ourselves can reveal a lot about our personality. So, it’s no surprise that truly classy people have a unique way of communicating.

In this article, I’ll share with you 10 phrases that, according to psychology, are only used by the classiest of people.

These phrases aren’t just about sounding fancy – they’re about showing respect, demonstrating empathy and fostering positive interactions.

Let’s dive in.

1) Excuse me…

When it comes to class, it’s not just about what you say, but also how you say it.

Truly classy people understand that respect and politeness are core to positive interactions. Even when they need to interrupt or get someone’s attention, they do so in a considerate manner.

Enter the phrase “Excuse me…”.

While it may seem simple, “Excuse me…” carries a lot of weight. It shows that you’re mindful of the other person’s time and space, and you’re not just barging into their conversation or personal bubble.

According to psychology, using polite interjections like this one demonstrates emotional intelligence. It’s a sign that you’re aware of the impact your actions have on others, and you’re making an effort to minimize any potential discomfort.

This phrase, used appropriately, can set a tone of respect in any interaction. 

When you find yourself needing to interrupt, remember those two golden words – “Excuse me…”.

2) I appreciate that…

Classy people have a knack for making others feel valued and heard. One way they do this is by expressing their appreciation. And a phrase they frequently use is “I appreciate that…”.

I’ll share a personal example to illustrate this.

Recently, I found myself in a tricky situation at work. A colleague had made an error that resulted in some extra work for me. Frustrating? Absolutely. But instead of losing my cool, I opted to take a leaf from the classy book.

After the colleague apologized, I responded with, “I appreciate that you’ve owned up to this mistake. Let’s figure out how to prevent this from happening again.”

And you know what? Not only did it defuse the tension, but it also opened the door for a constructive conversation about improving our workflow.

This phrase shows you’re someone who values honesty and accountability, and according to psychology, it can help foster stronger interpersonal relationships.

Classy isn’t just about how you dress or carry yourself – it’s also about how you treat others.

3) Pardon, could you repeat that?

In the world of classy communication, listening is as important as speaking. Truly classy people value the opinions and thoughts of others and aren’t afraid to admit when they’ve missed something.

The phrase, “Pardon, could you repeat that?” is a testament to their active listening skills. It says, “I’m engaged in this conversation and your input matters to me.”

In a study published in the International Journal of Business Communication, active listening was identified as a critical factor in effective business communication. It was found that those who actively listen during conversations are more likely to build trust and rapport with their counterparts.

If you truly want to exhibit class, ensure you’re giving people your full attention during conversations and don’t hesitate to ask for clarity when needed.

After all, it’s better to seek understanding than to make assumptions.

4) I see where you’re coming from…

Classy people understand that empathy is the key to meaningful connections. They know the importance of stepping into someone else’s shoes to truly understand their perspective.

The phrase “I see where you’re coming from…” is a clear indicator of this empathetic approach. It shows that you’re not just hearing the other person’s words, but also trying to understand their feelings and experiences.

This phrase can deescalate conflicts, facilitate open dialogue, and strengthen relationships. It’s a powerful way of saying, “I respect your viewpoint.”

If you want to portray class in your interactions, try to see things from the other person’s perspective and let them know that their feelings are valid and heard.

5) I’ll take that into consideration…

True class is about knowing how to respond to feedback, even when it’s not what you want to hear. Classy people can accept suggestions and criticisms gracefully, using them as opportunities for growth.

“I’ll take that into consideration…” is a phrase that embodies this open-minded attitude. It communicates that you’re receptive to new ideas and willing to reassess your own.

By using this phrase, you show others that you value their input and are willing to learn and grow. It’s a sign of humility and wisdom, two traits often associated with truly classy individuals.

None of us are perfect, and there’s always room for improvement. Being open to constructive feedback demonstrates class and a commitment to personal growth.

6) I’m here for you…

Classy people are not just about surface-level interactions; they’re about genuine connections. They understand that being there for someone goes beyond mere words – it’s about actions.

The phrase “I’m here for you…” is more than just a comforting statement. It’s a heartfelt promise to provide emotional support when needed.

When someone is going through a tough time, knowing they have your support can make a world of difference. It shows empathy, compassion, and a willingness to stand by them in their time of need.

Being classy is not just about how we present ourselves to the world, but also about how we treat and support the people around us. This phrase is a powerful reminder that a touch of class and kindness can go a long way in making someone’s day brighter.

7) I was wrong…

Admitting when you’re wrong isn’t always easy. But it’s a sign of strength, humility, and yes – class.

The phrase “I was wrong…” is a powerful admission. It shows that you’re secure enough in yourself to acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them.

A few years ago, I was leading a project at work and made a decision that didn’t pan out as expected. Instead of shifting blame or making excuses, I stood in front of my team and said, “I was wrong…”.

It wasn’t easy to do, but it was the right thing. It helped cultivate trust and respect within the team, and we became stronger for it.

In the grand scheme of things, admitting you’re wrong doesn’t make you less competent. Instead, it shows your commitment to truth and growth – traits that truly classy people embody.

8) No, thank you…

It might seem surprising, but knowing how to say no is a sign of class. Classy people understand their limits and aren’t afraid to set boundaries when necessary.

The phrase “No, thank you…” might sound simple, but it carries a powerful message. It shows that you value your time and energy and are not willing to engage in situations that don’t serve you well.

While many of us worry about coming off as rude or disappointing others, saying no can actually earn you respect. It shows self-awareness and the courage to prioritize your needs.

When you’re faced with a situation that doesn’t sit well with you, remember that it’s okay – and classy – to respectfully decline.

9) I could learn from you…

Classy people understand that everyone has something unique to offer. They appreciate the wisdom in others and are not afraid to express it.

The phrase “I could learn from you…” is a testament to this humble and open-minded approach. It demonstrates a genuine appreciation for the other person’s skills or knowledge.

By using this phrase, you not only make the other person feel valued, but also show that you’re eager to grow and learn. This openness to learning from others is a hallmark of true class.

Every interaction offers an opportunity for learning. By acknowledging the value others bring, you not only show class but also enrich your own life.

10) Please and thank you…

While it may seem basic, the phrases “please” and “thank you” are the foundation of any classy conversation. They’re simple, yet powerful, expressions of respect and gratitude.

In any interaction, these phrases show that you value the other person’s effort or contribution. They reflect a sense of courtesy and appreciation that truly classy people never overlook.

In the end, class is about treating others with kindness and respect – and sometimes, it’s as simple as saying “please” and “thank you”.

Final thoughts: It’s all about respect

In the grand scheme of things, class isn’t about the clothes you wear, the car you drive, or the size of your house. It’s about respect – both for yourself and for others.

When we break it down, these ten phrases have one thing in common: they convey a deep sense of respect. They show that you value the other person’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Whether it’s acknowledging a mistake with “I was wrong…”, showing support with “I’m here for you…”, or expressing gratitude with “Thank you…”, each phrase is a testament to the power of respect.

As we navigate through our daily interactions, let’s remember that being classy isn’t just about sounding sophisticated. It’s about treating others with kindness and dignity, and sometimes, it’s as simple as choosing our words wisely.