Class isn’t about wealth, fashion, or social status—it’s about how you treat people and present yourself in everyday situations. The way you interact with others speaks volumes, and certain behaviors can make you seem inconsiderate or lacking in social awareness. The good news? Small changes can have a big impact on how others perceive you. If you recognize any of the behaviors below, it’s time to rethink your approach and start showing more kindness, respect, and consideration. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to fix it.
1. You Never Hold The Door Open For Others
Letting a door swing shut in someone’s face screams inconsiderate, and it’s one of the quickest ways to make a bad impression. Holding the door open, on the other hand, is a simple act of kindness that shows respect and awareness. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it can brighten someone’s day and leave a lasting positive impression. Candace Smith Etiquette reports, “Opening a door for someone, holding a door open for the person behind you, or gesturing another to pass through first, is simple kindness”.
To change this habit, start paying more attention to the people around you. If someone is walking behind you—even if they’re a few steps away—pause and hold the door open. This small gesture takes just a few seconds but shows that you’re thoughtful and considerate. Over time, it’ll become second nature, and people will appreciate your kindness without you even realizing it.
2. You Point Out People’s Flaws
No one likes to be criticized, especially in public. Pointing out someone’s flaws, whether it’s their appearance, habits, or mistakes, makes you seem judgmental and unkind. Even if your intention is to help, it often comes across as rude and condescending. People remember how you make them feel, and constantly pointing out their shortcomings leaves a lasting negative impression. According to Evolution Counseling, “Constantly pointing out deficiencies in others is an abusive power play that masquerades as genuine concern”.
Instead, focus on building others up rather than tearing them down. If someone asks for your opinion, offer honest but kind feedback. Otherwise, keep your observations to yourself. When you shift your focus from criticism to encouragement, you’ll create stronger, more positive relationships and earn the respect of those around you.
3. You Leave A Mess When You’re A Guest
Leaving a mess behind when you’re a guest in someone’s home shows a lack of respect for their space. Whether it’s leaving dishes in the sink, forgetting to clean up after yourself, or tracking dirt onto the carpet, these small oversights can make your host feel unappreciated and frustrated. The Emily Post Institute advises, “Make your bed and clean up after yourself”.
To change this behavior, treat someone else’s home with the same care and respect you’d want in your own space. Clean up any mess you make, put things back where you found them, and offer to help with tasks like washing dishes or tidying up. If you’re staying overnight, make the bed before you leave and gather used towels in one place. These small acts of consideration show that you value your host’s hospitality and are grateful for their kindness.
4. You’re Rude To The Wait Staff
The way you treat waitstaff, cashiers, and other service workers reveals a lot about your character. Being rude, dismissive, or impatient shows a lack of empathy and respect. People notice how you treat those who are in service roles, and poor behavior in these situations reflects poorly on you. Broke Stuart states, “Your server looks at you when they ask what you’d like to eat and by not returning the favor of direct eye contact, you’re making that server feel unimportant”.
To improve, remind yourself that service workers are people doing their jobs, often under stressful conditions. Be polite, patient, and respectful, even if mistakes happen or service is slow. A simple “please” and “thank you” go a long way, and showing kindness to those who serve you demonstrates true class and character.
5. You Borrow Things And Don’t Return Them
Borrowing items and forgetting to return them can damage relationships and make you seem irresponsible and inconsiderate. Whether it’s a book, a tool, or a piece of clothing, failing to return borrowed items shows a lack of respect for the other person’s belongings.
To change this habit, always return items as soon as you’re finished with them—and in the same condition you received them. If you accidentally damage something, offer to replace it. And if you know you’re not good at returning things, avoid borrowing unless absolutely necessary. Taking responsibility for borrowed items shows respect and integrity, strengthening your relationships in the process.
6. You Talk Over Other People
Interrupting or talking over others makes you seem disrespectful and self-centered. It sends the message that you believe your thoughts are more important than theirs, which can quickly alienate people and damage relationships. This habit often stems from excitement or impatience, but it’s essential to learn to listen as much as you speak.
To improve, practice active listening. Focus on what the other person is saying without planning your response while they’re talking. Wait until they’ve finished before sharing your thoughts, and if you accidentally interrupt, apologize and let them continue. Being a good listener shows that you value others’ perspectives and fosters deeper, more meaningful connections.
7. You Let People Pay For You But Don’t Return The Favor
While it’s perfectly fine to let someone treat you to a meal or coffee now and then, consistently accepting generosity without reciprocating can make you seem entitled and inconsiderate. Relationships should be built on mutual kindness and generosity, not one-sided favors.
To change this behavior, make an effort to treat others as often as they treat you. If a friend buys you coffee one day, offer to buy the next time. If someone covers your meal, find an opportunity to return the favor. Even small gestures of generosity show that you appreciate the people in your life and are willing to give as much as you receive.
8. You Chew With Your Mouth Open
Chewing with your mouth open is one of the fastest ways to appear inconsiderate and lacking in social awareness. It’s not just about manners—seeing or hearing someone chew with their mouth open can be unpleasant and distracting for those around you.
To break this habit, slow down and focus on chewing with your mouth closed. Take smaller bites and avoid talking while chewing. If you’re eating in a noisy or social setting, pay extra attention to your eating habits. Being mindful of how you eat shows respect for those around you and reflects a sense of self-awareness and class.
9. You Show Up Unannounced
Dropping by someone’s home or workplace without notice can be disruptive and inconsiderate. Even if you have good intentions, unexpected visits can catch people off guard and intrude on their personal time or responsibilities.
Instead, always call or text ahead to see if it’s a good time to visit. Respect that people have busy lives and may not always be available. By asking first, you show consideration for their schedule and boundaries, which strengthens your relationships and ensures your visits are welcomed and appreciated.
10. You Use Speakerphone In Public Places
Talking on speakerphone in public is a quick way to annoy those around you. It invades others’ space with noise and makes it impossible for them to avoid overhearing your conversation. This behavior can come across as inconsiderate and self-absorbed.
To change this habit, use headphones or keep your phone on regular mode when talking in public. If you need to take a call, step away from crowded areas or wait until you’re in a more private space. Being mindful of your noise level shows respect for others and helps create a more pleasant environment for everyone.
11. You Act Like The Rules Don’t Apply To You
Ignoring rules and social norms sends the message that you believe you’re above everyone else. Whether it’s cutting in line, ignoring traffic laws, or disregarding workplace policies, this behavior creates frustration and resentment among those around you.
To improve, remind yourself that rules exist to create fairness and order. Following them shows respect for others and helps maintain harmony in social and professional settings. If you disagree with a rule, address it through the proper channels rather than simply ignoring it. Leading by example shows integrity and earns the respect of those around you.
12. You Leave Your Shopping Cart In The Parking Lot
Leaving your shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot might seem harmless, but it creates inconvenience and potential hazards for other shoppers and employees. It also sends the message that you don’t care about the impact of your actions on others.
To change this behavior, make it a habit to return your cart to the designated area, no matter how busy or tired you feel. Taking those extra few seconds shows respect for others and contributes to a more organized and efficient shopping environment. Plus, it sets a positive example for others, encouraging a culture of consideration and accountability.
13. You Overshare With People You Barely Know
Sharing personal details with acquaintances or strangers can make others feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed. While it’s important to be open and authentic, oversharing can create awkward situations and damage first impressions. People appreciate honesty, but they also value boundaries and appropriate social cues.
To avoid oversharing, consider the context and the nature of your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. If you’re unsure whether a detail is appropriate to share, err on the side of caution. Focus on building trust and rapport before diving into deeply personal topics. This approach shows emotional intelligence and helps you build stronger, more respectful connections.
14. You Never Tip, Even When Service Is Good
Failing to tip, especially when you’ve received good service, reflects poorly on your character and can come across as ungrateful or entitled. Service workers often rely on tips to supplement their income, and a small gesture of appreciation can make a big difference in their day.
To change this habit, commit to tipping whenever you receive service. In restaurants, aim to tip at least 15-20% for good service. For services like haircuts, taxis, and deliveries, follow the standard tipping guidelines in your area. Even if your budget is tight, leaving a small tip shows appreciation and respect for the hard work of service professionals. Over time, this habit not only improves your relationships with service workers but also reflects a sense of generosity and class.
