There’s a noticeable distinction between being a woman and being a classy woman.
The key is in the details, in the choices she makes for her personal life.
Being classy isn’t about owning expensive things or having high status. It’s about how she treats herself and those around her.
Classy women maintain a certain standard in their personal lives, a standard that sets them apart. And, I guarantee, there are certain things they just never do.
Let’s get started.
1) Oversharing on social media
It’s a common phenomenon in today’s digital age. Many people feel the need to share every detail of their lives on social platforms.
But, classy women understand the importance of privacy and discretion.
While they may enjoy social media and engage with it, they never let it become a public diary of their personal lives. They don’t spill every secret or share each moment of their day-to-day experiences.
They understand that mystery has its charm. And that some aspects of life are best kept private.
For them, social media is a tool for connection and communication, not an open book of their personal lives.
And that’s a key reason why they’re regarded as classy. They know where to draw the line when it comes to sharing on social platforms.
Being classy isn’t about being aloof or secretive, it’s about maintaining a balanced and sensible approach to what you share with the world.
2) Neglecting self-care
There’s this one incident that I’ll never forget. A few years back, I was attending a conference, hustling and bustling between sessions, networking and trying to soak in as much knowledge as possible.
I noticed a woman who stood out from the crowd. No, she wasn’t the most stylishly dressed nor did she have the most striking features. But there was a certain calmness and grace about her.
One day, after a particularly grueling session, I found myself seated next to her in the lounge area. We struck up a conversation and I expressed my admiration for her composure amidst the chaos.
She smiled and said, “It’s all about self-care.”
Classy women have this deep understanding of the importance of self-care. They know that taking care of their own needs isn’t selfish; it’s essential. They don’t neglect their sleep or nutrition, they ensure they have some quiet ‘me’ time, and they prioritize their mental health.
They understand that only when they are at their best physically and emotionally can they truly live their best life.
And that’s a lesson I took home from that conference and incorporated into my life. Because being classy is about respecting yourself enough to care for your own wellbeing.
3) Gossiping
Classy women steer clear of gossip. It’s a non-negotiable rule in their personal lives.
Gossip might seem like a harmless pastime, but it can have serious repercussions. It can damage relationships, spread misinformation and breed negativity.
A study published in the journal “Social Neuroscience” found that engaging in gossip can actually lead to more stress. The researchers discovered that gossip activates the production of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies.
So, classy women choose not to participate in gossip. They know that engaging in meaningful conversations is a much better use of their time and energy.
They understand that their words have power, and they choose to use that power responsibly. They speak with kindness, compassion and positivity, and they always strive to uplift others rather than bring them down.
4) Being rude or disrespectful
Classiness and respect go hand in hand. A classy woman knows the importance of treating everyone around her with kindness and consideration, regardless of who they are or what their status is.
Whether it’s a waiter at a restaurant, a colleague at work, or a stranger on the street, she treats everyone with the same level of decency and regard. She has no room for rudeness or disrespect in her life.
She understands that classiness isn’t about being above others, but about lifting others up. Her actions and words always reflect this understanding. And that’s why she stands out in the crowd.
Being classy is about setting an example of respect and kindness, because it’s not just about how you treat yourself, but also about how you treat others.
5) Ignoring their values
Classy women are deeply connected to their values. They have a strong sense of what they believe in and they don’t compromise on these beliefs, no matter what.
Their values guide their decisions, shape their actions, and determine who they associate with. They don’t let societal pressures or fleeting trends sway them from what they truly believe in.
They understand that being classy is more than just surface-level grace and elegance. It’s about having a strong moral compass and staying true to it.
Whether it’s honesty, loyalty, compassion, or perseverance – whatever their core values are, classy women live by them every single day.
Staying true to your values is not always easy, but it’s the hallmark of a truly classy woman. Because classiness isn’t just about what you show to the world, it’s also about who you are when no one is watching.
6) Forgetting to show gratitude
In life, it’s the little things that often mean the most. And one such precious thing is gratitude. Classy women understand this and make it a point to show their appreciation for both the big and small things in their lives.
They don’t take anything for granted. They appreciate the love of their families, the support of their friends, the comfort of their homes, and even the simple pleasures like a sunny day or a good book. They truly understand that these are blessings, not entitlements.
But more than just feeling grateful, they express it. They say ‘thank you’ sincerely and often. They write heartfelt notes, give thoughtful gifts, and make sure people know how much they are appreciated.
Because they know that gratitude isn’t just about acknowledging the good in their lives, it’s also about acknowledging the role others play in it.
And in doing so, they not only elevate their own lives but also touch the lives of those around them with positivity and warmth. Because being classy isn’t just about how you carry yourself, it’s also about how you uplift others along the way.
7) Holding onto grudges
There was a time in my life when I let a disagreement with a close friend fester into a grudge. I held onto my anger and let it fill up spaces in my heart where love and forgiveness should have been.
But then I realized something. This grudge wasn’t hurting anyone but me. It was like a poison, slowly and silently eating away at my peace of mind.
Classy women understand this all too well. They know that holding grudges doesn’t serve them or anyone else. Instead, they choose to forgive and move on, not because the other person necessarily deserves forgiveness, but because they deserve peace.
They understand that being classy is about having the strength and grace to let go of things that don’t serve their wellbeing.
Because at the end of the day, being classy isn’t about holding onto past slights, it’s about embracing the future with an open heart and mind.
8) Neglecting their passions
Classy women never forget to fuel their own fires. They have a passion, a hobby, or an interest that they ardently follow. It’s not just about having a successful career or a bustling social life. It’s also about doing things that make their souls light up.
Whether it’s painting, running, cooking, writing, gardening, or dancing – they take time out for what they love. They know that these passions add joy and purpose to their lives.
They understand that being classy isn’t just about looking good on the outside but feeling good on the inside. And nothing makes you feel better than doing what you love.
So they make sure they never neglect their passions, because being classy is all about living a life that’s true to who you are.
9) Compromising their self-worth
This is the cornerstone of being a classy woman. She never compromises her self-worth. She knows her value and she doesn’t let anyone or anything make her feel less than what she truly is.
She doesn’t tolerate disrespect or unkindness. She doesn’t settle for less than what she deserves. And she certainly doesn’t let anyone define her worth.
Because she knows that being classy isn’t just about how others perceive her, it’s about how she perceives herself.
And a classy woman, above all else, holds herself in high regard. Because when you value yourself, the world values you too.
Ultimately: It’s about self-respect
At the heart of it all, being a classy woman is deeply intertwined with self-respect.
A quote by author and motivational speaker, Steve Maraboli, comes to mind, “I value myself enough to give myself the best of everything.” This encapsulates the essence of a classy woman’s approach to her personal life.
She respects herself enough to not compromise on her values, to prioritize her passions, to express gratitude, and most importantly, to never let anyone or anything diminish her worth.
Being classy is not about outward appearances or societal expectations. It’s about honoring oneself in every aspect of life. It’s about making choices that reflect respect and love for oneself.
So as you move forward in your journey of personal growth and self-discovery, remember this: Being classy starts with respecting and valuing yourself. Only then can you truly embody the grace, strength and elegance that are the hallmarks of a truly classy woman.