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How To Become Classy Without Gobs Of Money
The seven behaviors
I once had a distorted view of what makes a classy person. I pictured a well-dressed man or woman who showed up at a bar and offered to buy a bottle of expensive champagne for their crew of admirers. The classiest of all would also sport an impressive family lineage or membership in an elitist social society.
If “classiness” were indeed about generosity with your money, family background, and occupation, it would be unattainable for most people. But like the definition of gentleman, the meaning of class has evolved.
It’s no longer a product of your background or wealth but rather the consistent demonstration of a set of principles. Anyone can exhibit class, whether it’s the wealthiest of the wealthy or the poorest of the poor.
It’s a distinction you acquire by practicing seven behaviors. In time, you’ll demonstrate the virtues of classiness as effortlessly as you breathe.
1. Get angry and cool off.
Goal: master your impulses
A class act remains cool when their impulses scream for aggressive expression. Like everyone else, they feel an urge to lash out when attacked or engaged in verbal combat. But instead of taking the bait, they allow the impulse to…