9 things you can learn from your grandparents about class (according to psychology)

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | November 12, 2024, 4:20 pm

As a human being, it’s crucial that we learn and evolve, not just from our own experiences but also from those who came before us – especially our grandparents.

They are a treasure trove of wisdom, experiences and class that is often overlooked in our fast paced, digital age.

Class here doesn’t just refer to our social or economic status.

Instead, it encompasses our manners, etiquette, the way we treat others and conduct ourselves – essentially what makes us refined individuals.

Our grandparents, having lived through different times, have a unique perspective on this aspect of life that can be enlightening for us.

In this article, I’m going to share some insights that our grandparents can teach us about class.

These are not just my observations but are backed by psychological studies.

So, let’s embark on this journey of understanding class from an older, wiser generation’s perspective.

1) Respect for others

Respect is a fundamental value that our grandparents often embody and it’s something we can learn a lot from.

In their time, they were brought up with the belief that treating others with respect, regardless of their social status, is a significant part of having class.

You might notice how your grandparents treat everyone from the mailman to the local grocer with the same level of courtesy and politeness.

Psychology backs this up, by stating that respect for others is a key component of emotional intelligence and social maturity.

It’s also associated with higher self-esteem and improved mental health.

2) Patience is a virtue

Our grandparents’ era was not dominated by instant gratification the way our current digital age is.

They had to wait for letters instead of emails, home-cooked meals instead of fast food, and face-to-face conversations instead of instant messaging.

This instilled in them a valuable virtue – patience.

They understand that good things take time, and not everything needs to be rushed.

This sense of patience reflects a certain class and grace in handling life’s ups and downs.

It shows in the calm and composed manner they often exhibit, even in stressful situations.

Taking a leaf from their book, we can learn to cultivate patience in our lives too.

Not only does it add to our character, but it also helps us deal with life’s challenges in a more balanced way.

3) Embrace simplicity

In a world where extravagance and luxury are often equated with class, our grandparents offer a different perspective.

They show us that true class is not about owning the most expensive items or leading an opulent lifestyle.

Instead, they demonstrate that embracing simplicity can be a sign of class too.

You might notice this in the way they value quality over quantity, the way they cherish small moments of joy, or their preference for meaningful conversations over superficial chatter.

This approach to life, centered around simplicity, can enrich our lives in ways we might not have imagined.

It reflects a sense of contentment and appreciation for what we have, which is truly indicative of class.

4) Acceptance of life’s shortcomings

Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, and no one knows this better than our grandparents.

They’ve lived through wars, recessions, personal losses, and more.

Through it all, they’ve learned to accept life’s shortcomings with grace and resilience.

They understand that it’s okay to have flaws, to make mistakes, and to face failures.

They show us that class isn’t about portraying a perfect image, but about being real and honest about our imperfections.

It’s about owning up to our errors, learning from them, and moving forward.

This raw honesty towards life’s ups and downs is a lesson in class we can all learn from our grandparents.

It teaches us to be genuine in our approach towards life and people around us.

5) Empathy towards others

 

Our grandparents, have a unique way of making people feel heard and understood, whether it’s lending an attentive ear to someone’s worries or offering comforting words during tough times.

This ability to empathize, to step into someone else’s shoes and understand their feelings, is a true mark of class.

It makes people feel valued and less alone in their struggles.

By observing our grandparents, we can learn to cultivate this empathy in our own lives.

It not only uplifts those around us but also enriches our own emotional understanding and connections.

6) Value of hard work

We’ve all heard our grandparents share stories about their younger days, filled with tales of struggle and hard work.

Whether it was working multiple jobs, saving every penny, or overcoming hardships, they’ve done it all.

What shines through these stories is the immense value they place on hard work.

They understand that success doesn’t come easy and that it’s the effort we put in that truly counts.

This is something we can all relate to in our own lives.

Whether it’s studying for exams, working towards a promotion, or simply trying to improve ourselves, we know that hard work is key.

Learning to value and respect our efforts, just like our grandparents do, contributes significantly to our sense of class.

It teaches us to be humble and appreciative of our accomplishments, as well as those of others.

7) Laughter is the best medicine

Our grandparents have a knack for finding joy in the little things, and often, they believe in the healing power of a good laugh.

Be it cracking a light-hearted joke at the dinner table or chuckling at a memory from their past, they remind us to not take life too seriously.

This ability to laugh, to find humor in everyday situations, adds a certain charm and class to their personality.

It makes them approachable and enjoyable to be around.

After all, life’s too short to not enjoy a good chuckle every now and then.

Plus, it’s a great way to ease stress and bond with others – who knew class could be this fun!

8) Standing up for what’s right

Our grandparents didn’t get to where they are by always taking the easy route.

They’ve often had to stand their ground and fight for what they believe in.

Whether it was advocating for their rights, standing up against injustice, or simply saying ‘no’ when necessary – they’ve done it.

And they’ve done it with a sense of dignity and class that’s commendable.

This isn’t always a comfortable lesson to learn.

It requires courage and conviction. But it’s an important one.

We too need to learn to stand up for what we believe in, even if it means going against the tide.

9) Kindness above all else

Through all the life experiences and wisdom they share, if there’s one thing our grandparents emphasize again and again, it’s kindness.

They believe in the power of a kind word, a gentle gesture, and a compassionate heart.

Whether it’s helping a neighbor, being polite to a stranger, or simply treating others with respect and love, their acts of kindness radiate a class that is unmatched.

This is perhaps the most important lesson we can learn from them.

Kindness doesn’t cost a thing but it can make a world of difference.

So let’s keep this in mind as we navigate through life – no matter what we do, where we reach, or how we grow, let’s always remember to be kind.

Because at the end of the day, class is all about treating others (and ourselves) with kindness.