Being classy isn’t just about what you wear or how you speak.
It’s also about what you don’t say, especially in public. There are certain topics that are just off-limits if you want to maintain an air of sophistication and respect. I’m not talking about being fake or pretentious, but about having the social awareness and discretion to know what’s appropriate to discuss in mixed company. If you want to up your class factor, steer clear of these 15 topics.
1. Money
Classy people don’t talk about their salary, how much they spent on their latest purchase, or brag about their wealth. They also don’t pry into other people’s finances or ask intrusive questions about money. It’s tacky and gauche. If you’re well-off, be humble about it. If you’re struggling, be discreet. Discussing money in public is a guaranteed way to make people uncomfortable and come across as crass. Keep your financial details private and find more interesting things to talk about.
2. Bodily functions
No one needs to hear about your bathroom habits, digestive issues, or other bodily functions, no matter how close you are to them. It’s not funny or endearing, it’s gross and inappropriate. Save those discussions for your doctor or very close friends in private. Sharing TMI about your body is a quick way to make people squirm and see you as immature. Keep it classy by keeping those details to yourself. There’s no need to be crude for a cheap laugh.
3. Gossip
Source: Pexels Classy people don’t engage in gossip, spread rumours, or speak badly of people behind their backs. It’s unkind, unproductive, and reflects poorly on your character. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it at all. Rise above the urge to bond with people over tearing someone else down. Change the subject or walk away from gossip. Be known as someone who takes the high road and refuses to participate in petty drama. Your integrity will speak volumes.
4. Controversial opinions
Source: Pexels Sensitive topics like politics, religion, or other polarising issues are best avoided in public settings where you don’t know everyone’s backgrounds or beliefs. You’re not going to change anyone’s deeply held opinions over cocktails. All you’ll do is stir up tension and animosity. Classy people are socially aware enough to read the room and steer clear of topics that might offend or inflame. Save those debates for private conversations with people you trust. In public, keep things neutral and inclusive.
5. Personal relationship issues
Source: Pexels Airing your dirty laundry about your romantic relationship or marriage is a big no-no in public. It’s disrespectful to your partner, makes people uncomfortable, and is just plain tacky. No one needs to hear the gory details of your last fight or your bedroom woes. Keep your private life private. If you need to vent or get advice, do it one-on-one with a trusted friend, not in front of an audience. Protect the sanctity of your relationship.
6. Unsolicited health advice
Source: Pexels Classy people don’t give unsolicited health advice or comment on other people’s bodies, even if they mean well. It’s presumptuous and rude. You don’t know someone’s full medical history or what they may be struggling with physically or emotionally. Offering unqualified advice about diets, exercise, medications, or treatments is crossing a line. Unless someone specifically asks for your opinion, keep it to yourself. Respect people’s autonomy over their own health choices. Your “concern” could actually be hurtful.
7. Name-dropping
Source: Unsplash Name-dropping is a tacky attempt to boost your own status by association. Classy people don’t feel the need to constantly mention the important people they know or the exclusive events they’ve attended. It comes across as insecure and self-important. If you have an impressive network, let it speak for itself through your actions and character. Don’t cheapen those connections by bragging about them. Be humble and grounded. Let your accomplishments, not your name-drops, do the talking.
8. Materialism
Source: Unsplash Constantly talking about your designer clothes, luxury car, or expensive vacations is gauche. It makes you look shallow and materialistic. Classy people don’t define themselves or other people by their possessions. They know true worth comes from who you are, not what you own. Bragging about your lifestyle just broadcasts your own insecurities. Don’t be that person who always has to one-up everyone with what you have. Focus on more substantial things like experiences, ideas, and personal growth.
9. Negativity
Source: Unsplash Classy people don’t constantly complain, criticise, or wallow in negativity, especially in public. It’s draining to be around and brings everyone down. While it’s healthy to express frustrations sometimes, doing it excessively is toxic. Don’t be an emotional vampire. Take responsibility for your energy and how it impacts other people. Make an effort to find the positive, express gratitude, and be solution-oriented instead of just griping. Elevate the conversation by being a voice of optimism and resilience.
10. Humblebrag
Source: Unsplash The humblebrag is a subtle form of boasting, where you disguise a brag as a complaint or self-deprecation. Like, “Ugh, I only got an A- on that exam I barely studied for.” Classy people don’t feel the need to resort to such tactics to fish for compliments or attention. It’s transparent and annoying. Own your successes without downplaying them or couching them in false modesty. And own your failures without excuses. Be genuine and direct in how you talk about yourself.
11. Fishing for compliments
Source: Unsplash Fishing for compliments is another behaviour classy people avoid. Constantly making self-deprecating remarks so that people will jump to contradict them, comes across as insecure and manipulative. Confident people don’t need constant external validation. If you’re proud of something, say it directly. If you’re feeling down about yourself, address it in a mature way. Don’t put anyone in the awkward position of having to bolster your ego. Cultivate your own self-worth from within.
12. Inappropriate jokes
Source: Unsplash Classy people are cautious about making jokes that are racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist, or otherwise offensive, especially in public mixed company. Even if your intent isn’t malicious, it’s not funny to mock marginalised groups or sensitive issues. It’s an immature, “edgy” brand of humour that only reveals your own ignorance and lack of creativity. Classy humour is clever, not crass. It punches up, not down. When in doubt, err on the side of respect. Don’t risk alienating people for a tasteless laugh.
13. Unsolicited advice
Source: Unsplash Giving unsolicited advice, whether it’s about someone’s career, relationships, lifestyle, or personal choices, is presumptuous and rude. Classy people respect other people’s boundaries and autonomy. They don’t assume they know what’s best for someone else. Unless your opinion is explicitly asked for, keep it to yourself. No one wants to be lectured or told what to do, especially in public. If you have wisdom to share, wait until it’s welcome. Respect that everyone is on their own journey.
14. Failure to read the room
Source: Unsplash Classy people have good social awareness. They can read the room and adjust their behaviour and topics of discussion accordingly. They don’t dominate conversations, ignore social cues, or steam roll past other people’s discomfort. They’re not obliviously inappropriate or inconsiderate. They’re attuned to the dynamics and emotions around them. They know how to put people at ease and make them feel included. Emotional intelligence and adaptability are key components of true class and sophistication.
15. Anything better said in private
Source: Unsplash As a general rule, if you’re unsure whether something is appropriate to say in public, it’s probably better to err on the side of discretion. Classy people have good judgment about what topics are best discussed behind closed doors. They don’t create unnecessary drama or awkwardness by being loose-lipped. If you need to have a sensitive conversation, do it privately. Be mindful of who can overhear you. Public spaces are not the place to hash out personal issues. Keep it classy by keeping it discreet.
