by Rob Purifoy

Created on: January 15, 2010

Being classy in societal terms is the manner in which a person is perceived by others. A dirty, non vacuumed and dented BMW or Mercedes can be less classy than a washed, waxed, clean and detailed Honda Accord. Being classy is sometimes seen as how the person treats him or herself, how they look in their clothes and what their personal hygiene is like. There are some pretty low class rich people that couldn't care less how they are perceived and that's just what they'll get in return from others- a poor opinion.

Being classy does not mean you have to drive or wear the most expensive things on the market. Most average people in this world will not check your brand of shoes, if they look nice and shiny, they are considered classy. The same holds true with clothes, the car, the house and the way a person carries themselves. Being in real estate, I have seen million dollar homes ruined by dogs, clutter and downright dirtiness-not classy. Conversely I have seen small $100,000 homes that are the cutest thing to rival only a home decorated by Martha Stewart herself-very classy. But being classy goes much deeper than all of this as I will discuss further.

So the question is how to be classy? Anyone can be classy with the proper way of keeping themselves and respecting themselves along with what they do have. Class has also to do with conducting yourself in a manner that is respectful toward others as well as being humble and non-pretentious. There is no class in being rich, dressing rich and acting pretentious or better than everyone else, and in fact, it's perceived in a better light if someone makes what they have to work with look good.   

Even though being classy may be an intentional act as we go out in public, there is a certain amount of couth that goes into it in that you don't want to act like you are trying to give off an impression. The impression will come with your attention to detail within yourself, character, dress and the way you carry yourself. I spoke of dress and outward appearances, which may help with public impressions, but it's not a necessity if you conduct yourself in the other classy mannerisms spoken of above.

Lastly, class is the ultimate test in society of how you act, treat others and react to life situations. Aside from all the dress and shiny stuff, class has much to do with the way you choose to act by respecting others, not gossiping, caring about others and their feelings, not being boastful or hurtful, being confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Learn more about this author, Rob Purifoy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.