30+ Habits of a Classy and Respectful Person

I decided to compile a list of basic things that distinguish a “classy” and “respectful” person vs. a “rude” and “disrespectful” one.

These are little habits that everyone can learn and practice.

None of these suggestions are fancy, just simple things that if you do or don’t do, it can make you look “unfriendly,” “trashy,” or “rude.” A lot of it is basic etiquette.

This list identifies about 30 essential habits of a respectful person – but I’m going to continue adding to it as new ones come to mind (or people suggest new ones to me).

Most of us are likely good and well-intentioned people, but sometimes we’re missing 2 or 3 simple habits that make us come off more rude than we intend to be.

These “little things” – however little they may be – can go a long way in how you are perceived by others, so they are worth being reminded of.

• Hold the door for people behind you or nearby
• Give genuine “please’s” and “thank you’s” (even for small things)
• Clean up after yourself in public or at a guest’s place
• Don’t throw trash on the ground
• Treat professional servers (waiters/flight attendants) with respect (and tipping fairly)
• Try to have good vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation (minimize slang and slurs)
• Don’t talk too loudly in public / Don’t talk on phone on train or bus
• Put your phone away when talking to people
• Show up to things on time / Don’t leave people waiting on you
• Help people in need with little things (offering to carry something for an elderly person)
• Say “hi” to people you cross paths with (within reason – apply “10 foot rule” or if eye contact is made)
• Be honest and firm with your opinions without forcing them onto others
• Wear clean and well-fitted clothing
• Give firm handshakes when meeting new people
• Initiate touch during conversation (hand on back, high fives, giving hugs, playful punches, etc.)
• Don’t talk behind people’s back / minimize gossiping
• Apologize when you make a mistake or do something wrong (swiftly and genuinely, without going into “explain mode.”)
• Avoid nitpicking people’s mistakes
• Listen to others / giving people time to speak / not interrupting
• Congratulate people on their personal and professional accomplishments
• Wave at your neighbors
• Don’t make jokes at other people’s expense
• Never pressure someone who isn’t drinking or smoking
• Never be the most inebriated person at a party
• Try to send snail mail for invitations, thank you’s, and congratulations
• Notice the quieter people in the group and say “hello” or ask how they’re doing
• Be respectful toward everyone regardless of their job or social status (janitors, doorman, receptionists)v
  

• If you have to correct people or critique something they did, do it in private
• Have good posture / Sit up straight and stand upright
• Choose music that is most accessible to the group
• Be aware of people’s financial limitations and don’t pressure them to spend more than they want
• If someone embarrasses themselves, try to change the subject as soon as possible
• Respect your elders / Listen to them and learn from their stories
• Let people have the last word
• Minimize discussion on heated topics like politics or religion
• Don’t try to “one up” people’s stories all the time (“Oh yeah? One time I…”)

Many of these suggestions are simple and commonsense, but they can go a long way if you practice them on a regular basis.

As you look through this list, you may discover a few things you tend to overlook or forget about – try to pay attention to these habits in the future and correct your behavior.

It’s also important to remember that context matters a lot while practicing these habits. There appropriateness can often depend on the person and the place. For example, tipping at some places can be seen as rude or demeaning (like tipping at a fast food restaurant).

Overall, this list is a good resource for the “basics” behind being a classy and respectful person. Feel free to save it somewhere and add to it.

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