Class isn’t about fancy clothes or expensive cars. It’s a matter of character, and it’s not always easy to spot.

There are some telltale signs that someone lacks genuine class. It’s not about being judgmental, but about understanding people better.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 signs that someone lacks genuine class, according to psychology. And remember, this isn’t a finger-pointing exercise. It’s about understanding, and maybe even helping people to improve.

Let’s get started.

1) They interrupt constantly

Interrupting someone else in conversation isn’t just rude, it’s a sign of poor class.

Research suggests that frequent interruptions are associated with dominance and control in conversations, often stemming from a lack of social awareness.

Zimmerman & West found that interruptions in conversations can indicate a power imbalance, often reflecting a lack of empathy or consideration for the other speaker’s thoughts.

It’s not necessarily intentional disrespect, but rather a lack of awareness and understanding about the importance of mutual respect in communication.

This habit can be quite off-putting and is often seen among people who lack genuine class. But remember, it’s not about judging, it’s about understanding why this behavior occurs and how we can deal with it or help improve it.

If you find yourself being interrupted often, patience is key. And if you’re the one doing the interrupting? It might be time for some self-reflection.

2) They lack empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, and it’s a cornerstone of genuine class.

When someone lacks empathy, it’s a clear sign they may not have a high level of class. I’ve personally experienced this in the past.

For instance, I once had a friend who would always turn conversations towards her own experiences, without showing any interest or understanding of my feelings or situation. It was as if she was incapable of putting herself in my shoes.

Psychologists explain that people who lack empathy often struggle with understanding emotions, both their own and others’. They may not do it on purpose, but it’s something they need to work on if they want to develop genuine class.

Knowing these signs isn’t about judging others, but about becoming more aware of the people around us and understanding their behavior better.

3) They’re always the victim

Have you ever noticed someone who always seems to be on the receiving end of life’s hardships, never taking responsibility for their actions?

Psychology suggests that people who regularly play the victim may lack genuine class. This behavior, often termed as the “victim mentality”, is actually a form of manipulation used to gain sympathy or evade accountability.

This mentality can stem from various factors, such as past trauma or a lack of self-esteem. It’s a way for people to feel in control when they feel helpless in reality.

After all, understanding is the first step towards improvement.

4) They gossip excessively

Gossiping about others is another sign psychologists point to when identifying those who lack genuine class.

While it’s natural to discuss others occasionally, excessive gossip is often a reflection of insecurity or a desire to fit in by bringing others down.

People with real class understand that everyone has their own struggles and refrain from spreading rumors or unnecessary negative information about others. They choose kindness and understanding over judgment and negativity.

When you find yourself in a situation where someone is gossiping excessively, remember this could be a sign of their lack of genuine class. And if you’re the one doing the gossiping? You might want to reconsider your actions.

5) They’re boastful

Boasting or showing off excessively is another sign of a lack of genuine class.

Psychologists suggest that people who often brag about their own achievements, wealth, or any other aspect of their life may be doing so to mask their insecurities or to seek validation from others.

People with genuine class, on the other hand, are usually humble and let their actions speak for themselves. They don’t feel the need to prove their worth to others because they understand their own value.

If you come across someone who’s constantly flaunting their accomplishments or possessions, it could be a red flag indicating a lack of genuine class. 

6) They don’t respect boundaries

Respecting boundaries, both physical and emotional, is a fundamental aspect of genuine class.

When someone consistently oversteps or disregards the boundaries set by others, it shows a lack of respect and understanding. They might think they’re being friendly or funny, but it can often make the other person uncomfortable.

I’ve seen how damaging this can be. A friend of mine had a colleague who would constantly invade her personal space and share unwanted advice about her personal life. It was more than just annoying; it was deeply disrespectful.

7) They make fun of others

Mocking or ridiculing others is another behavior associated with a lack of genuine class.

Once, I had a friend who would make fun of people to get a few laughs. At first, it was easy to brush it off as harmless banter, but over time, I came to realize that it was more than that. It was a way for him to feel superior by belittling others.

Psychologists explain that people who frequently make fun of others often struggle with their own self-esteem issues. They use humor at the expense of others to mask their own insecurities.

Belittling someone for a laugh is not a sign of genuine class. True class is about lifting others up, not bringing them down.

8) They’re always right

You might think that being right all the time is a good thing. But in reality, people who insist on always being right can often lack genuine class.

Psychology tells us that these people are often driven by a deep-seated fear of being wrong or appearing ignorant. They argue and insist on their views, not because they’re confident, but because they’re afraid of what being wrong might mean about them.

People with genuine class understand that everyone makes mistakes and has room to learn. They’re not afraid to admit when they’re wrong, and they’re open to different perspectives.

If you encounter someone who never concedes an argument, it might not be a sign of confidence or intelligence, as it first appears. It could just be a sign of their lack of class.

9) They’re ungrateful

Gratitude is a key characteristic of people with genuine class. They appreciate what they have and express thanks for the kindness of others.

On the other hand, those who lack class often fail to show gratitude. They might take things for granted or feel entitled to the good things in life without acknowledging the efforts of others.

Psychologists suggest that ungrateful individuals often struggle with egocentric tendencies, believing the world revolves around them. This lack of gratitude not only affects their relationships with others but also their overall happiness and satisfaction in life.

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”. It’s a mindset, an acknowledgment of the good things and people in our lives. Lack of it could be a sign of someone lacking genuine class.

10) They lack humility

At the heart of genuine class is humility.

People who lack class often display a lack of humility. They may think very highly of themselves and look down on others. They believe they’re superior, and this belief often shows in their words and actions.

Psychologists tell us that a lack of humility can be a defense mechanism against feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. But true class comes from recognizing that we’re all human, all fallible, and all equal in our intrinsic worth.

If you encounter someone who seems to lack this fundamental understanding, it could be a sign they lack genuine class. But remember, it’s not about judging, but understanding and helping if we can.

Final thoughts: It’s all about understanding

Digging into the signs of someone lacking genuine class isn’t about creating a checklist to judge or categorize people. It’s about understanding the complexity of human behavior and the psychology behind it.

These behaviors might be indicators of deeper issues, such as insecurities, fear, or past traumas. Understanding this can help us approach such individuals with empathy and patience.

Remember, everyone has the capacity to grow and change. Recognizing these signs in ourselves or in others is the first step towards improvement.

After all, genuine class is not about perfection. It’s about striving to be better, more understanding, and more respectful of others. It’s an ongoing journey, not a destination.

So, as you navigate your relationships and encounters with different personalities, keep these signs in mind. Not as a tool for judgment, but as a guide to understanding human behavior better.