Be a Classy Person - part 2

Move through life with class and ease in just 16 steps. When you are done reading all four parts, you should know how to be classy, or: selfless, generous, compassionate and responsible.

Step 1 > Treat others the way you would want to be treated. 

Treating adults and children with class. Give others advance notice before cancelling dinner invitations, speak up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, call your parents to update them on yourself, check-in with friends; these are all simple gestures that demonstrate your class and authenticity. Ensure you choose friends who share your values.

Step 2 > Choose your battles, choose your friends. 

Very few battles are truly worth fighting or taking a challenge. Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves (the elderly, children, mentally disabled, etc.) Be wary of those who appear to enjoy bickering. If someone is rude to you, either ignore him or her completely or, once you have completely calmed down and are thinking clearly, explain how you perceived his or her actions and work towards a resolution. You can also treat them with polite disdain--be polite but let them subtly know that you don't appreciate what they are doing. Never stoop to their level, and do not be hasty. Surround yourself with positive, polite people who encourage and live your classy, intelligent lifestyle.

Step 3 > Choose your words. 

The classy individual listens more than he or she speaks. Having a strong vocabulary is important, but do not use a word unless you are certain of its meaning. Use words to express yourself clearly. Importantly, do not correct others when they use improper grammar. Differences in background, family life, and education cause people to speak differently, and people often use slang for effect. More than this, it is irritating and degrading to be corrected by a know-it-all.

Step 4 > Do not insult, gossip, or slander. 

Do not waste your and others time and life. When necessary, voice your opinions appropriately and constructively. This encourages your audience to listen carefully when you speak.

continued...