Navigating the social landscape can be a minefield, ladies. We’ve all had those moments. When you’ve committed a faux pas and wished the ground would swallow you?
Sure, I’ve been there. You’ve probably been there. It’s a rite of passage in the journey towards becoming a classy woman.
And it’s not about being well-mannered and polite, though these traits are essential too. It focuses on avoiding certain behaviors that tarnish your public image.
Here are eight things that classy women almost always steer clear of when they’re out and about in public. Trust me; these pointers will keep you on the right track.
1) They never gossip
Gossiping can be a tempting pastime, can’t it? Who doesn’t like a juicy piece of news about someone else?
But here’s the thing. Classy women know better. They understand that gossiping is like throwing mud around. Sure, it might stick to the person you’re talking about, but it also gets all over you.
Classy women avoid partaking in idle chit-chat about others, especially in public.
They believe in direct communication. If they have an issue with someone, they address it with the person involved instead of spreading rumors.
Remember, ladies, staying above the gossip mill is a surefire way to maintain your class and dignity in public.
2) They don’t air their dirty laundry
Continuing from the previous point, let me share something from my own experiences. I’ve seen relationships crumble because of public displays of private disagreements.
Once, I was out with a friend, and she got into a heated argument with her boyfriend in a crowded restaurant. The entire place went quiet, and everyone was staring. It was embarrassing for them and uncomfortable for everyone else.
That was a turning point for me. I realized that airing your dirty laundry in public isn’t just ungraceful; it also puts others in an awkward position.
From then on, I made it a point to keep my matters private.
Classy women do the same. They understand that arguments and disagreements are part of life, but they choose to resolve them privately, behind closed doors.
Public places are not the venue for private issues. Classy women know how to keep their composure and wait until they’re in a more appropriate setting to discuss their grievances.
3) They never make a scene
This is something I learned the hard way.
A few years ago, I was at a party, and I had one too many drinks. I ended up making a bit of a spectacle of myself. The next day, I woke up with not just a terrible hangover but also a sinking feeling of regret.
That day, they taught me a valuable lesson: classy women never make a scene in public.
They maintain their poise and composure, no matter what the situation. They understand that making a scene disrupts the atmosphere for everyone around and reflects poorly on them.
So, no matter if it’s an argument with a significant other or dealing with an obnoxious person, classy women handle it with grace and dignity. They don’t lose their cool or resort to public outbursts.
This doesn’t mean they’re pushovers or let people walk all over them, far from it.
They stand their ground and do it in a way that’s respectful and doesn’t create unnecessary drama. Because when you’re a classy woman, you know your worth and don’t need to make a scene to prove it.
4) They don’t overshare on social media
Social media is a tricky beast. It’s so easy to get caught up in the cycle of sharing every little detail of our lives with the world. But here’s something to ponder on.
Classy women comprehend this. They know that while sharing snippets of their lives with friends and family online is fun, there’s a fine line between sharing and oversharing.
They treat social media like a public space because it is one. Just as they wouldn’t discuss their issues loudly in a crowded place, they also avoid airing them on social media.
They share their joys, travels, and achievements but also know where to draw the line. They understand that some moments are meant to be lived and cherished, not broadcasted for likes or comments.
Because at the end of the day, class isn’t about how much you reveal to the world but how much you choose to keep to yourself.
5) They don’t interrupt others
Have you ever been in the middle of a story, only to be cut off by someone else jumping in with their anecdote? It’s frustrating. I’ve been on both ends of this situation, and let me tell you, neither is a good place to be.
Classy women understand the importance of active listening. They know that communication isn’t just about talking – it’s also about listening. And part of being a good listener is not interrupting when someone else is talking.
They give others the respect and space to express their thoughts and opinions. They don’t always need to have the last word or dominate the conversation. Instead, they value meaningful exchanges where everyone gets to have their say.
It’s not just about good manners but also about empathy and respect for others because a classy lady knows that every voice matters and every story is worth hearing.
6) They don’t belittle others
It isn’t pleasant when someone makes you feel small in a public setting. I’ve been there, too, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Classy women are acutely aware of this. They treat everyone with respect, regardless of their status or position.
You won’t find a classy woman criticizing someone else’s outfit, job, or lifestyle choices because they know that everyone is doing their best with what they have.
They lift others up instead of belittling others to make themselves feel superior. They’re confident in who they are and don’t feel the need to put others down to show it.
Because how you treat others says more about you than it does about them. And classy women always strive to leave others feeling better about themselves after an interaction.
7) They don’t ignore people
Classy women are mindful of this. They understand the value of acknowledging others, regardless of setting or circumstance.
You won’t find them pretending not to see someone they know or purposely ignoring someone trying to get their attention.
They acknowledge those around them, whether it’s a simple nod, a wave, or a warm hello. It’s not about being overly friendly or fake but showing courtesy and respect.
8) They don’t compromise their values
This is a big one, ladies. I’ve learned this from experience, and I can’t stress it enough.
Classy women never compromise their values, not for anyone or anything. They stand firm in their beliefs and principles, even when it’s not the popular thing to do.
They don’t change their views to fit in or to please others. They don’t pretend to be someone they’re not just to be accepted. They’re authentic to themselves, always.
They know that class isn’t about what you wear or how you speak; it’s about who you are at your core, values, and principles. And they never compromise on those.
So whether it’s standing up for what’s right or sticking to their guns when faced with opposition, classy women hold their ground. They’re true to themselves and their values, even in the public eye.
Staying true to who you are and what you believe in is the classiest thing a woman can do.
Final thoughts
As we navigate life, it’s essential to remember that being a classy woman isn’t about perfection but progress.
It’s about maintaining dignity, respect, and self-worth, not just in private but also in public spaces.
Being mindful of how we treat others, respecting their space and stories, maintaining our composure, and staying true to ourselves are the hallmarks of class.
Each small step we take towards this goal is a victory in itself. And while it may not always be easy, the rewards are immeasurable.
In the end, being classy isn’t just about how others see us; it’s about how we see ourselves.
So, as you move forward, carry these lessons with you. Reflect on them. Learn from them. And most importantly, apply them.
As Audrey Hepburn, an epitome of classiness herself, once said: “Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” Let’s strive for that elegance in our actions and behaviors because, in the end, that’s what truly defines us.
Just launched: Laughing in the Face of Chaos by Rudá Iandê
Feel like you’ve done the inner work—but still feel off?
Maybe you’ve explored your personality type, rewritten your habits, even dipped your toes into mindfulness or therapy. But underneath it all, something’s still… stuck. Like you’re living by scripts you didn’t write. Like your “growth” has quietly become another performance.
This book is for that part of you.
In Laughing in the Face of Chaos, Brazilian shaman Rudá Iandê dismantles the myths we unknowingly inherit—from our families, cultures, religions, and the self-help industry itself. With irreverent wisdom and piercing honesty, he’ll help you see the invisible programs running your life… and guide you into reclaiming what’s real, raw, and yours.
No polished “5-step” formula. No chasing perfection. Just the unfiltered, untamed path to becoming who you actually are—underneath the stories.
