People’s behavior often reveals more about their character than their words or social status. While having class isn’t about money or social position, it does involve showing respect, consideration, and dignity in daily interactions. The way someone treats others, especially in challenging situations, often shows their true level of class.
In this blog, I’ll explore 18 behaviors that typically indicate a lack of class.
Talking loudly on their phone in public
Pushing ahead of others without acknowledging it is not polite. Those with class wait patiently for their turn. Cutting in line, whether at the grocery store, the DMV, or any other public queue, is a blatant display of entitlement and disrespect. Failing to apologize or even recognize that the behavior is inconsiderate shows a complete lack of class.
Cutting in line without apology
Pushing ahead of others without acknowledging it is not nice. Those with class wait patiently for their turn. Cutting in line, whether at the grocery store, the DMV, or any other public queue, is a blatant display of entitlement and disrespect. Failing to apologize or even recognize that the behavior is inconsiderate shows a complete lack of class.
Chewing with their mouth open
Closed-mouth chewing is a basic table manner. Open-mouthed, loud eating is unappetizing for everyone nearby. There’s nothing more irritating than sitting near someone who chews their food with their mouth agape, smacking and slurping loudly. This kind of inconsiderate dining habit is a clear sign of poor upbringing and a lack of self-awareness.
Insulting others, even as a “joke”
Making hurtful comments, even casually, shows a lack of empathy and respect for people’s feelings. Those with class are mindful of their words and how they might impact others. Putting others down, even in a supposedly joking manner, reveals a fundamental lack of consideration and social graces.
Not holding the door for people behind them
Simple courtesies like holding the door demonstrate consideration for others. Letting a door slam in someone’s face instead of taking a moment to hold it open is a small act that speaks volumes about a person’s character. Thoughtful, courteous individuals make a habit of such considerate gestures.
Showing up late without explanation
Being chronically late without apology is disrespectful to other people’s time. Consistently showing up late to meetings, events, or appointments without any explanation or apology is selfish behavior that demonstrates a lack of regard for others. People with class understand the importance of punctuality and respecting the schedules of those around them.
Interrupting people mid-sentence
Patiently waiting for someone to finish speaking before responding is a sign of good listening skills. Repeatedly interrupting others, cutting them off before they can complete their thought, is both rude and inconsiderate. Polite, class-conscious individuals allow others to express themselves fully before offering their own input.
Slouching or putting their feet on furniture
Maintaining good posture and keeping feet off shared furniture displays self-discipline. Sprawling out, slouching, or propping feet up on tables, chairs, or other public furnishings is sloppy and disrespectful of communal space. People who carry themselves with poise and class are cognizant of how their body language and physical comportment impact those around them.
Answering phone calls during a conversation
Prioritizing a phone over face-to-face interaction is impolite. Stopping a conversation to take a call, without excusing oneself or explaining the urgency, is a clear indication that the person lacks proper social etiquette. Truly polite individuals recognize that being present and attentive at the moment is a sign of respect for those they are engaging with directly.
Judging or belittling people’s interests
Mocking someone’s hobbies or values shows a lack of open-mindedness. Those with class understand that everyone has different preferences, passions, and ways of expressing themselves. Putting down or deriding another person’s interests, no matter how “strange” or “uncool” they may seem, is a profound lack of class.
Monopolizing conversations
Good communicators know how to balance talking and listening. Individuals who dominate conversations, never allowing others to get a word in edgewise, display a clear disregard for the give-and-take of healthy dialogue. Polite, class-conscious people make space for the perspectives and contributions of those around them.
Littering or spitting in public
Properly disposing of trash and saliva is a basic courtesy. Tossing garbage on the ground or expelling bodily fluids in public spaces is an unsanitary, thoughtless act that reveals a stunning lack of civic responsibility and social awareness. Those raised with class understand the importance of maintaining clean, well-kept shared environments.
Ignoring requests for help
Lending a hand to those in need is an act of kindness. Refusing to assist others, whether holding a door, grabbing a dropped item, or offering directions, demonstrates a selfish indifference to the needs of one’s community. Individuals with class recognize that small acts of helpfulness go a long way in creating a more considerate, compassionate world.
Burping or passing gas without excuse me
A little discretion goes a long way in social settings. Belching or flatulating loudly, without even a perfunctory “excuse me,” is the height of poor manners. Those raised with class understand the importance of containing one’s bodily functions in polite company, or at the very least, acknowledging them discreetly.
Ignoring server or retail staff
Treating service workers with respect demonstrates maturity. Dismissing, ignoring, or acting rudely towards waitstaff, cashiers, and other service providers is a clear sign of entitlement and a lack of basic respect. Individuals with class recognize the humanity in everyone they interact with, regardless of their profession or position.
Staring at or ogling others
Maintaining appropriate eye contact and boundaries is polite. Openly gawking at, leering towards, or otherwise objectifying strangers in public is a blatant violation of social norms. Those raised in class understand the importance of respecting others’ personal space and maintaining appropriate levels of visual engagement.
Boasting about wealth or status
True confidence doesn’t require flaunting money or position. Individuals who constantly flaunt their material possessions, job titles, or social standing are often overcompensating for deeper insecurities. People with genuine class know that one’s worth is not defined by external trappings, but by their character and conduct.
Refusing to admit when they’re wrong
Being able to apologize and accept responsibility builds trust. Stubbornly clinging to the belief that they are always right, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, is a hallmark of immaturity and a lack of class. Admitting mistakes and offering sincere apologies when appropriate are signs of emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
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