There’s a clear distinction between being classy and just looking the part.

Classiness isn’t just about the clothes you wear or the car you drive, it’s about behavior.

It’s an attitude and a way of life, characterized by certain behaviors that are second-nature to genuinely classy people.

Psychology gives us a deeper insight into these behaviors and how they differentiate the truly classy from the pretenders.

In this article, we’re going to delve into those 7 behaviors that are typically ingrained in people who genuinely exude class. We’ll go over each one, giving you a clear understanding of what it means to be truly classy.

So, let’s dive in and explore the psychology behind genuine classiness.

1) Embodying empathy

First and foremost, genuinely classy people are often characterized by their empathy.

Psychology tells us that empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

Classy people have this in spades. They are able to connect with others on a deep level because they take the time to understand them.

Not only does this quality make them classy, it also makes them more likable and respected.

After all, people naturally gravitate towards those who show understanding and respect for their feelings.

2) Respecting boundaries

Another behavior that is second-nature to genuinely classy people is respecting boundaries.

This is something I personally experienced with someone I consider to be one of the classiest people I know — my grandmother, a woman of grace and dignity who always respected the boundaries of others.

I remember one time when I was a teenager, I was going through a tough time and was reluctant to open up about it.

Instead of prying or insisting that I share, my grandmother simply told me she was there for me if I needed to talk.

She didn’t invade my personal space or make assumptions about what I was going through. She simply recognized my need for privacy and respected it.

That’s what classy people do. They understand that everyone has their own personal space, both physically and emotionally. They respect that and never try to invade or overstep it.

3) Practicing mindfulness

The third behavior that genuinely classy people exhibit is mindfulness.

Mindfulness is about living in the present moment, fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It’s about not letting your mind wander but staying focused on the here and now.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, I delve into the power of mindfulness and how it can transform your life.

Mindfulness allows you to appreciate the beauty of the present moment, instead of always worrying about the past or the future.

Classy people are often mindful individuals. They don’t rush through life but take the time to appreciate it. They understand that every moment is precious and should be savored.

By practicing mindfulness, they are better able to connect with others, appreciate the world around them, and exude a calm and composed demeanor that is characteristic of classiness.

So if you want to cultivate genuine classiness, start by practicing mindfulness.

Live in the moment, appreciate it, and let it guide you. My book can be a great starting point for you on this journey towards mindfulness.

4) Being honest and authentic

Honesty and authenticity are another hallmark of classy individuals. They don’t pretend to be someone they’re not nor do they tell lies to please others.

There was a time when I found myself in a situation where I could either go with the flow and lie about my opinion, or stand my ground and be true to myself.

It was during a business meeting where everyone seemed to agree with a proposal that I personally didn’t believe in.

It would have been easier to nod and agree, but instead, I spoke up and shared my concerns. Yes, it stirred things up a bit, but it also led to a more thorough discussion about the proposal’s potential pitfalls.

Being authentic may sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially in situations where your views differ from the majority.

But it’s an essential trait of truly classy people. They value honesty and authenticity over popularity or convenience.

Society might tell you to conform, but believe me, it’s better to be true to yourself and your beliefs than to live a life of pretense.

Being honest and authentic not only makes you classy, but it also earns you respect and trust from those around you.

5) Embracing imperfections

This might sound counter-intuitive, but genuinely classy people are not afraid to embrace their imperfections.

While many of us strive for perfection in everything we do, the reality is that it’s an unattainable ideal. Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes.

What sets classy people apart is how they handle these imperfections. Instead of hiding their flaws or pretending they don’t exist, classy people accept them as part of who they are.

They understand that it’s these quirks and idiosyncrasies that make them unique.

Moreover, they turn their imperfections into strengths. If they make a mistake, they learn from it and grow. They don’t let their flaws define them but use them as stepping stones towards self-improvement.

Embracing imperfections also means they are more forgiving towards others. They are able to extend grace when people mess up, because they know they’re not perfect themselves.

6) Valuing quality over quantity

Another behavior that sets genuinely classy people apart is their appreciation for quality over quantity.

This applies to all aspects of life, from relationships to material possessions.

For instance, classy people would rather have a few good friends they can count on, than a multitude of acquaintances who aren’t there when it matters most.

They also prefer to invest in a few, high-quality items that last, rather than amassing a large collection of cheaply made products.

Essentially, they understand that something’s value isn’t determined by its quantity, but by its quality and significance.

They understand the value of lasting relationships and durable goods. It’s about appreciating the worth of things that stand the test of time.

By valuing quality over quantity, classy people show a level of discernment and appreciation for the finer things in life – not in terms of extravagance or luxury, but in terms of durability, reliability, and meaningfulness.

7) Practicing kindness

The most important behavior that defines genuinely classy people is kindness. They treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their status or background.

Classy people understand that kindness doesn’t cost a thing, yet it’s priceless. They know that a simple act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s day, or even their life.

They don’t practice kindness for recognition or reward. They do it because it’s the right thing to do. It’s an integral part of who they are.

Kindness is the ultimate sign of class. It shows a level of compassion and understanding that elevates a person beyond the superficial aspects of class and sophistication.

No matter what else you do, if you want to be truly classy, always choose kindness.

The essence of true class

Being classy isn’t just about what you do, but who you are. It’s about the values you uphold, the choices you make, and the way you interact with the world around you.

This isn’t about putting on a show or maintaining a certain image. It’s about who we are at our very core.

It’s about how we treat others, how we handle ourselves in different situations, and how we navigate the world around us.

In “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, I discuss how mindfulness can help you cultivate these behaviors.

By being present and aware, we can better understand ourselves and others, and in turn, exhibit these traits that define true class.

But beyond all the behaviors and practices, the essence of true class lies in our ability to be authentic and kind. To be true to ourselves and treat others with respect and dignity.

That’s something no amount of sophistication or elegance can replace.