We all know a few individuals who have exceptionally high class, and navigate every situation with poise and grace.

Most other people have a moderate level of class – and then there are the individuals who have a complete absence of it.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all encountered those people who, no matter what they do, seem to lack basic decorum and respect for others.

You may have wondered what exactly makes them come across this way.

The answer is, there are specific behaviors they do that make it impossible to show class.

When you can identify these behaviors, you’ll be able to spot red flags for relationships you may not want to deepen – and also avoid making some painful mistakes yourself. 

Let’s dive in and see what these 7 behaviors are.

1) Lack of respect for others

If there’s one behavior that screams lack of class, it’s a lack of respect for others.

This can manifest in many ways, but it’s never a pretty sight.

Whether it’s rudely interrupting someone mid-sentence, disregarding the feelings of those around them, or treating service staff poorly, these are all signs of a person who lacks basic respect for others.

Recognizing this behavior is key.

It’s about more than just bad manners – it’s indicative of a deeper lack of empathy and understanding.

Remember, how a person treats the waiter is a reflection of their character.

If they can’t show basic decency to those serving them, what does that say about them?

2) Excessive bragging

I remember dealing with an acquaintance who seemed to have it all – luxury cars, designer clothes, the works.

But every conversation with him felt like a sales pitch for his extravagant lifestyle.

He constantly bragged about his material possessions and never missed an opportunity to flaunt his wealth.

It had gotten to the point where our interactions felt less like conversations and more like listening to an endless, self-absorbed monologue.

It was evident that he mistook his wealth for class.

But class isn’t defined by what you have, it’s about how you carry yourself and treat others.

Excessive bragging is a clear sign of insecurity and a lack of class.

An individual with true class doesn’t need to constantly advertise their achievements or possessions.

Their actions and character speak for themselves.

3) Gossiping and spreading rumors

It’s not just teenagers in high school who are guilty of gossiping and spreading rumors – adults do it too.

And it’s a behavior that reeks of zero class.

Gossiping is often used as a tool to make the gossiper feel superior, by bringing others down.

It’s a form of social manipulation, aiming to control how others perceive certain individuals.

What’s more, gossiping and rumor-spreading have real-world impacts.

Research shows negative information is far more likely to influence our perceptions of people than positive information.

In other words, a person’s reputation can be significantly damaged by gossip, even if it’s not true.

And therefore, a person who shows this behavior clearly lacks class, respect, and consideration for others.

4) Ignoring personal boundaries

We all have personal boundaries – lines we don’t want others to cross.

They help us maintain our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

A person who constantly disrespects these boundaries is demonstrating a clear lack of class.

Whether it’s prying into personal matters, making inappropriate comments, or not respecting your time or space, these are all signs of someone who doesn’t understand or care about personal boundaries.

But it’s important to remember that respect for personal boundaries is a two-way street.

Just as we expect others to respect ours, we must also respect theirs.

Even if an individual doesn’t understand boundaries, make sure you still respect theirs – and protect your own by taking a step back. 

5) Lack of gratitude

In a world that’s often fast-paced and self-centered, the ability to express genuine gratitude is a trait that stands out.

It reflects a person’s ability to appreciate others and the small acts of kindness that often go unnoticed.

On the flip side, a lack of gratitude can be quite disheartening.

It’s one of those behaviors that can really make you question a person’s character.

Not saying “thank you” when someone holds the door open for you, or not acknowledging a gift or favor, can leave a lasting negative impression.

Gratitude is about more than just good manners.

It’s a reflection of our understanding that we’re all interconnected, that our actions affect others and vice versa.

Remember, class isn’t just about how we present ourselves, it’s also about how we treat others.

6) Consistent lateness

I used to have a friend who was perpetually late.

It wasn’t just by a few minutes either – she would often keep me waiting for half an hour, an hour, sometimes even longer.

Every time we’d meet, I’d find myself sitting alone at a cafe or a restaurant, glancing at my watch and wondering when she’d show up.

Over time, it became clear that this wasn’t about traffic or unexpected delays. It was a lack of respect for my time. And it hurt.

Consistent lateness isn’t just annoying.

It sends a clear message: “My time is more important than yours.”

It’s a lack of consideration and respect for others, and it’s a clear sign of someone who lacks class.

7) Dominating conversations

Conversations are supposed to be a two-way street, an exchange of thoughts and ideas.

But have you ever found yourself in a conversation that feels more like a monologue?

If someone consistently dominates conversations, always turning the topic back to themselves or their experiences, this is a sign of zero class.

Even if it’s not what they intend, it communicates a lack of interest in others and a disregard for their thoughts and feelings.

Good conversationalists know the importance of listening – of giving others the space to express their views and share their stories.

It’s not just about speaking; it’s about engaging, understanding, and showing respect for others.

Final thoughts: Class can’t be bought

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that class is not about material possessions, wealth, or status.

It’s about respect, kindness, and empathy.

It’s about how we treat others, especially when no one is watching.

These behaviors we’ve discussed here don’t just affect the people around us – they also reveal a lot about ourselves.

They speak to our values, our character, and our understanding of the world.

So if you encounter someone displaying these behaviors, take note.

Remember that class can’t be bought or faked – it’s a reflection of who we truly are.

And ultimately, it’s the kindness we show to others that truly defines us.