8 behaviors that separate a woman with class from a woman with ego

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | October 12, 2025, 4:24 am

There’s a world of difference between a woman with class and a woman with ego.

This distinction is all about attitude. A woman with ego lets her pride dictate her actions, often overlooking the feelings of others.

On the contrary, a classy woman exudes grace and consideration, making those around her feel valued.

Identifying these behaviors isn’t always straightforward. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are eight behaviors that differentiate a woman with class from a woman with ego.

Stick around, and let’s dive into these telltale signs that set these two types of women apart.

1) Tactful communication

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, and the way a woman communicates speaks volumes about her character.

A woman with ego often speaks with disregard, prioritizing her own thoughts and feelings above those of others. Her words may be brash, self-centered, and dismissive, indicating a lack of empathy or consideration.

In stark contrast, a classy woman understands the power of tactful communication. She listens attentively, responds thoughtfully, and ensures her words are both kind and respectful. She values the opinions of others and communicates in a way that fosters mutual respect.

This key difference in communication style is one of the first signs that separates a woman with class from a woman with ego. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it.

2) Grace under pressure

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. It’s during these challenging times that one’s true character shines through.

I recall an incident from my own life that perfectly illustrates this point. I was at a social gathering when a woman, let’s call her Jane, spilled red wine all over her pristine white dress. Most people would have been mortified, but not Jane.

Jane, a woman with an undeniable air of class, simply laughed it off. She didn’t make a scene or berate the person who accidentally bumped into her. Instead, she casually excused herself to clean up and quickly returned, unfazed by the incident.

On the other hand, I’ve seen women with ego react quite differently in similar situations. They tend to react dramatically, making everyone around them uncomfortable and shifting the focus onto themselves.

The ability to maintain grace under pressure is a defining characteristic that distinguishes a woman with class from a woman with ego. It’s about handling adversity with dignity and poise, rather than letting it disrupt your composure.

3) Humility in accomplishments

A woman with class understands that her accomplishments speak for themselves. She doesn’t feel the need to constantly highlight her achievements or place herself on a pedestal.

On the contrary, a woman with ego often seeks validation and recognition. She might frequently mention her successes, hoping to impress others.

Did you know that studies suggest humble people are more likely to be high performers and better leaders? It’s because they’re open to feedback and continuously strive for improvement, rather than resting on their laurels.

A classy woman embodies this trait. She believes in letting her work shine, rather than her words. This humility in accomplishment is another clear behavior that differentiates a woman with class from a woman with ego.

4) Empathy towards others

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a quality that is deeply ingrained in a woman with class.

A classy woman is not just considerate of other people’s feelings, she actively tries to understand them. She listens with intent, offers compassion, and provides support when needed. She understands that everyone has their own battles and treats others with kindness and understanding.

In contrast, a woman with ego may struggle to show genuine empathy. She might prioritize her own feelings and experiences over those of others, which can make her seem detached or uncaring.

Empathy is more than just a nice trait to have; it’s a vital part of forming deep, meaningful connections. It’s a defining behavior that separates a woman with class from a woman with ego.

5) Authenticity in action

In a world where it’s easy to put on a mask and play a role, authenticity is a breath of fresh air.

A woman with class is genuine, through and through. She doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not or change her colors to fit in. Instead, she stands firm in her beliefs and remains true to herself, even when it’s not the easiest path to take.

A woman with ego, however, may hide behind a facade. She might present herself differently based on her surroundings or the people she’s with. This lack of authenticity can make her come across as insincere or untrustworthy.

The courage to be authentic, to show the world your true self, is a beautiful thing. It’s a behavior that truly sets apart a woman with class from a woman with ego. It’s the trait of a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to show it.

6) Gratitude in all things

Gratitude has a way of grounding us, reminding us of the good in our lives, even when things aren’t going as planned.

I remember a time when I was going through a rough patch. Life had thrown me a few curveballs, and it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But then, I met a woman who had this infectious spirit of gratitude.

Despite her own challenges, she had this knack for finding joy in the smallest things. She taught me that being thankful doesn’t mean ignoring life’s difficulties. It’s about acknowledging them but choosing to focus on what’s going right instead.

On the other hand, a woman with ego often overlooks the good in her life, focusing more on what she lacks or what she desires.

This practice of gratitude is another behavior that differentiates a woman with class from a woman with ego. It’s about recognizing and appreciating the good in life, no matter how small.

7) Respect for boundaries

Understanding and respecting boundaries is a crucial aspect of any relationship, and it’s a trait that a woman with class embodies.

A classy woman knows the importance of personal space and respects it. She understands that everyone has their own comfort zones and does not overstep or infringe upon them. She asks for permission where required and always respects the decisions of others.

On the contrary, a woman with ego may disregard these boundaries, often prioritizing her own needs or desires. This lack of respect for personal space can make her seem intrusive or disrespectful.

Respecting boundaries is about understanding that everyone has their own limits and respecting them. It’s a behavior that clearly separates a woman with class from a woman with ego.

8) Kindness at heart

At the core of it all, a woman with class is defined by her kindness. She carries it in her heart and spreads it in her actions. She treats everyone with respect, regardless of their status or background. Her words are gentle, her actions are considerate, and she leaves a lasting impact on the people she encounters.

In stark contrast, a woman with ego may lack this fundamental kindness. She might behave differently based on who she’s interacting with, showing kindness only when it benefits her.

Being kind doesn’t cost a thing, yet it’s priceless. This deep-rooted kindness is the most important behavior that differentiates a woman with class from a woman with ego. It’s not just about how you treat others, but how you make them feel.

Final thoughts: It’s a matter of choice

The distinction between a woman with class and a woman with ego ultimately boils down to choices.

Each day, we’re presented with countless opportunities to choose how we react, how we communicate, and how we treat others. These choices, conscious or subconscious, shape our character and define who we are.

A woman with class is not a product of perfect circumstances. Rather, she is someone who chooses grace over drama, empathy over indifference, and humility over arrogance. She is someone who values authenticity over pretense and spreads kindness generously.

Just as Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

At the end of the day, our behaviors are our message to the world. So let’s strive to make it a message of class, respect, and kindness.

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