Everyone has the occasional bad day, but how you present yourself to the world and the people in it on a daily basis tells them a lot about the type of person you are at your core. This isn’t about snobbery, but about choosing to present your best self when you step out the door in the morning. Sometimes small tweaks in our actions have a big impact on the energy we project. If you’re guilty of any of these low-class behaviors, it’s time to change gears ASAP.
1. Treating Service Workers Poorly
Snapping your fingers at the waiter and being rude to retail staff reveals an “I’m better than you” attitude that screams “low class.” Everyone deserves basic respect, regardless of their job. A simple “please” and “thank you” make a world of difference and actually make it MORE likely you’ll get good service. Pretty much everyone agrees that treating service people like crap is one of the worst qualities you can have, The Guardian notes.
2. Obsessing Over Designer Labels
Wearing recognizable logos is fine if you enjoy them, but bragging about how expensive something was, or looking down on those who don’t prioritize brands, is tacky. True elegance is about style and how you carry yourself, not the price tag on your handbag. Also, everyone knows you couldn’t afford a full set of Louis Vuitton luggage, so it’s probably not having the intended effect anyway.
3. Gossiping and Backstabbing
Spreading juicy tidbits or talking trash about someone the MOMENT they leave the room destroys trust and just makes you look petty and immature. People know if you do it with others, you’ll do it to them too. Discussing interesting news is different from malicious gossip aimed to hurt reputations. Choose wisely.
4. Public Displays of Drunkenness
Enjoying a few drinks is fine! But getting sloppy drunk so you’re loud, obnoxious, or unable to care for yourself isn’t a good look for anyone. It puts a burden on those around you and leaves a bad impression. Knowing your limits is a sign of maturity.
5. Complaining Endlessly with No Interest in Solutions
Venting is healthy. But being that person where EVERY conversation is just negativity about problems with no attempt to FIX them is draining. Show effort in managing your own life, not just relying on others to be your emotional dumping ground.
6. Not Following Up On Promises
You say, “I’ll definitely call you!” then never do. Maybe you flake on plans a lot or chronically forget to do things you said you would. Either way, this shows you don’t value other people’s time. It’s okay if things slip your mind once in a while, but own the mistake with a sincere apology. Being reliable builds trust.
7. “Borrowing” Things Without Asking, or Not Returning Them
Taking your roommate’s favorite shirt without permission or keeping a library book long overdue is basically stealing lite. It shows a disregard for other people’s property. A simple, “Can I borrow this?” goes a long way, and demonstrates that you respect boundaries.
8. Overly Crude Humor in Inappropriate Settings
Cracking dirty jokes among your pals is different from doing so at a business lunch. Reading the room is key. There’s a time and place for unfiltered humor; being able to hold back shows social intelligence. It’s NOT about being prude, but recognizing certain behaviors are best suited for specific contexts.
9. Bragging About Your Exploits (Romantic and Otherwise)
Sharing the occasional funny date story is fine, but making every conversation about your conquests comes off as insecure, not impressive. It also disrespects those you were involved with by treating their privacy cavalierly. Discussing healthy relationships is different from using your romantic history as a way to seek validation.
10. One-Upping Everyone Else’s Stories
Your friend got a raise? You got a bigger one. They had a bad trip? Yours was WORSE… It makes you seem desperate for the spotlight and unable to be genuinely happy for others’ successes. Celebrating others’ wins makes YOU more likeable, not less!
11. Picking Fights on Social Media
Comment sections devolving into insult matches are the digital equivalent of a bar brawl. Disagree respectfully, or ignore it. Engaging with trolls gives them what they crave: attention. It also makes you look hot-headed and incapable of nuanced discussion.
12. Not RSVP-ing for Events
This throws a wrench into planning for the host. Even if unsure, “Maybe” is better than nothing. Declining politely is also appreciated, but ghosting is plain rude. It shows disregard for the effort others put into organizing, making you less likely to be invited in future.
13. Poor Table Manners
Elbows on the table and talking with your mouth full are no-gos. Sure, Western etiquette has silly rules, but the basics are about showing consideration for fellow diners. It’s about not making meals unpleasant for others. If unsure of the specifics for a fancy setting, discreetly observe those around you!
14. Oversharing About Bodily Functions
Discussing a medical condition with your doctor is appropriate; graphic details about your bathroom habits at dinner are not. There’s a difference between healthy openness about the fact that ALL bodies have weirdness, and making others uncomfortable in the name of “being real”. Respect for boundaries includes basic discretion.
15. Littering, Even the “Small” Stuff
Tossing a cigarette butt out the window and leaving your tray at a fast food place show disregard for the environment and the labor of those who have to clean up after you. A simple,”Is there a trash can nearby?” solves this. Taking responsibility for your impact is a normal occurrence for a classy person, regardless of income level. Plus, per Reuters, littering is considered one of the rudest behaviors out there!
16. Being a Sore Loser (or Gloating Winner)
Throwing a tantrum when you lose a game, or lording a victory over the defeated… this exposes a lack of emotional maturity. It makes people not want to play with you, which defeats the purpose! Graciously accepting loss and showing good sportsmanship makes you someone everyone wants at the table.
17. Refusing to Acknowledge Your Privileges
We all have some – wealth, race, ability, etc. Pretending these don’t impact your life makes you seem out of touch. Acknowledging how you’ve benefited from societal systems doesn’t mean guilt; it paves the way towards more equitable relationships where everyone feels seen and respected.
18. “Wokefishing” to Seem Virtuous
Claiming to deeply care about social justice, then acting in ways counter to those values, is the ultimate in crass. This is about performative allyship for social points, not genuine concern for the betterment of the world. Actions speak louder than words; quietly doing the work is far classier than broadcasting your supposed goodness for likes.
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