11 Little Habits That Make Someone Look Way Richer Than They Actually Are
Having a rich mindset often has nothing to do with the amount of money in your bank account.
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A | Shutterstock Having a rich mindset often has less to do with the number of zeroes attached to your bank account and more to do with the quiet confidence you exude when you walk into a room. You're not someone who depends on having the latest luxury clothing, the biggest house, or even the fastest car; instead, the little habits that make someone look way richer than they actually are means they have mastered the art of flying under the radar and really honing in on those behaviors that allow them to stand out, no matter what kind people they are surrounded by.
It's so achievable for anyone because it doesn't require you to spend any money at all. In fact, all you need to is change your mindset and the way you show up. The truth is, looking rich is never about actual money, but rather, the simple routines that can make you look extremely put-together. These things end up going such a long way in having this elevated lifestyle that leaves others wondering how you were able to do it in the first place.
Here are 11 little habits that make someone look way richer than they actually are
1. Speaking softly and clearly
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Being able to articulate yourself in a clear and concise way has less to do with simply sounding nice and more to do with being able to exude that quiet confidence that's associated with a rich mindset.
Those who are wealthy and come from high-status never stumble over their words, shout, or even over-explain themselves in situations with other people. They are simply able to speak with intention because they're used to being listened to without having to vie for the attention.
"If you say what's true for you and say it clearly and kindly, you get one kind of result. But if you use a sharp tongue, speak falsely, exaggerate, or leave out the parts that are most important to you, you get different results: unnecessary conflicts, lost opportunities, a tightness in your chest, etc.," explained psychologist Rick Hanson.
It's all about self-assurance and not only being confident in yourself but your voice as well. Once you start speaking with intention, people will be both drawn to you and impressed by how you carry yourself. All you need to do is slow down, enunciate your words with purpose, and allow your voice and tone to speak for the amount of respect you have for yourself.
2. Smelling pleasant
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Sometimes, one of the little habits that make someone look way richer than they actually are is smelling good. A good scent can really show that you're someone of high sophistication without ever having to open your mouth and say a single word.
There's nothing more luxurious than a person who cares about taking care of themselves and invests in self-care habits like using perfumes and colognes. Research has even found that fragrances and a sense of smell plays such an important role in the physiological effects of mood and even stress.
If you're consistent about the way you smell and actively strive to have that fresh and clean scent trailing behind you, people will immediately begin to associate you with someone that's not only extremely confident but really prioritizes quality. It also means people will remember you because no one will ever forget a good scent.
3. Saying 'no' without over-explaining
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Being able to have boundaries and stick to what you believe in is such a powerful move that shows you're able to trust your own judgment without being influenced by those around you.
There's something appealing about a person who has the confidence to turn something down without leaning into any guilt about it. That kind of authority means that you're someone who doesn't allow everyone to have access to you, which, at its core, is part of having a rich mindset.
"By harnessing the power of 'no,' prioritizing self-care, and living authentically, you can break free from this trap and unleash your true potential. Remember, saying 'no' is not selfish; it's an act of self-love and a key to creating a life that truly aligns with your values and aspirations," explained Robert Puff, host of the Happiness Podcast.
When you know that you don't want to do something, you're showing others that you have self-respect for yourself and refuse to compromise it. It's the opposite of people-pleasing because you're standing firm in your choices. It's exactly how a rich person would move.
4. Never oversharing on social media
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In this digital world that we're seemingly living in, social media has become a dump where people can choose to overshare aspects of their lives with those that are following them. However, those who are wealthy and carry themselves with power are those that leave a bit of mystery. They don't feel the need to announce their every move because they're just not really seeking validation from others.
"Saying too much, to the wrong people, in the wrong spaces — that's just awkward and can cost you friends and lead to other negative repercussions that oversharers usually don't recognize until it's too late," pointed out personal development coach Polly Campbell.
It can be quite fun to overshare, especially if you're someone who's trying to connect with others by opening up about your life, but if you make yourself available to everyone, you're not quite protecting your peace in the process. It's best to keep a few cards close to your chest and once you know someone is trustworthy and safe, you can slowly start peeling back those onion layers.
5. Keeping nails clean and trimmed
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While it may seem obvious, taking care of your appearance can really give off the vibe that you're richer than you are, especially when it comes to your nails. You don't need to spend upwards of $80 to $100 on a manicure every two weeks to look polished.
All you need to do is have healthy nails that are cut and trimmed weekly, at the most. That's something you can do from the comfort of your home by investing in an inexpensive nail kit from the drugstore.
"Taking the time to do our nails is a way to signal that we care for ourselves and our bodies," licensed clinical psychologist Charlynn Ruan, PhD revealed. "Also, manicures are not a 'need' like many other grooming activities, so they feel like a fun indulgence or treat."
When you're meeting new people, the first thing they take notice of is how tidy your nails are. Those who have money are the type of people to keep everything polished and neat-looking, especially their nails and toenails.
No matter how expensive your outfit is, or how clean your shoes look, if your nails have dirt and grit underneath them and are too long and jagged, it can really impact the energy that you're trying to exude.
6. Reading physical books
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In a time when we're experiencing a concerning literacy crisis, with four in five adults only having English literacy skills sufficient to complete tasks that require comparing and contrasting information, paraphrasing, or making low-level inferences, reading a physical book has become a sort of lost past-time.
Being someone that routinely reads books shows that they're someone who has a bit of substance about them. They're a person that would prefer to lose themselves in a good book than waste their time mindlessly scrolling on their phone.
People like that can be seen as having a bit of elevation and wealth to them, even if they don't necessarily have six-figures attached to their name. It means you're invested in learning more about the world around you instead of staying in your little bubble and not wanting to grow.
You're someone that truly values and treasures knowledge of all forms, whether you're reading a nonfiction book, a memoir, or even a rom-com.
7. Rewearing outfits confidently
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One of the most underrated but little habits that make someone look way richer than they actually are is having no problem rewearing outfits in their closet. It's just a bit unrealistic to be someone that has a different outfit for every single day.
If you have bought an article of clothing that you really like, there's nothing wrong with wanting to get as much wear out of it as you can, and it doesn't take away from the elegance and confidence that you can exude by being someone who has no problem repeating outfits.
You're someone that doesn't dress to impress, but you put on an outfit for you and you only. You embrace your style and simply have no room for people who either point it out or make a big deal out of it.
8. Sitting with great posture
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One of the more beneficial but little habits that make someone look way richer than they actually are is having good posture. Being someone that has good posture wherever they are and however they're sitting instantly makes you look confident and, more importantly, expensive.
Sitting upright with your shoulders back and clearly relaxed speaks to how you carry yourself and the kind of person you are. Additionally, research, including a study from Ohio State University, found that good posture actually increases confidence.
You're someone who's quite assured with themselves and you don't slouch or try to cave into yourself because you're proud to be in the room, no matter where you are. You're not someone that shies away from taking up space; in fact, you revel in it. That kind of persona immediately commands attention and proves that you really don't need flashy clothes and gaudy jewelry to make sure people see you.
9. Listening more than talking
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When you're someone who knows when to stop talking and when to actively listen, that kind of trait not only draws others to you but proves that you're someone who doesn't need to dominate the conversation just to get some attention. It's a quality that shows you're rich without necessarily having the money to back it up.
You're someone who chooses to observe and ask the right questions to keep the conversation going, but you never try to interject and make it all about you. You provide a space for someone to open up because you're secure enough in yourself to not even need the spotlight to be centered on you.
You can simply step aside and allow someone else the chance to be the center of attention and it doesn't take away from the fact that you're still so confident and assured with yourself.
10. Setting boundaries without making drama
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Wealthy people and those of high-status don't spend their time trying to argue and explain why they've drawn the line they have. They simply communicate their needs, and it's up to the other person to either listen and adhere to it or walk away.
They aren't going to chase someone down to be in their life if they don't want to be. If this matches your personality, then you're someone that isn't interested in explaining the boundaries that you set.
According to licensed clinical social worker Leah Aguirre, "When you try to over-explain a boundary, it can often open things up for debate or greater conversation which can sometimes result in further conflict. Your boundary is your boundary, and you don't need the other person to sign off on it or give their input."
You have this unbothered energy about you that people immediately associate with high value. Drama just bores you and has no place in your life. You protect your time and energy, only choosing to invest it in people that truly matter and are worth it.
11. Knowing when to leave a room
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If you're someone that knows when to leave, others might associate you with being of value and elegance because you don't linger where you're either not wanted or not getting the respect that you know you deserve.
You know when a conversation has run its course and it's time to bow out, and you never make any drama out of it. Instead, you exhibit a level of grace that's truly impressive to those around you. You simply refuse to make a big fuss about it. You just have better places to be and better people to surround yourself with.
Nia Tipton is a staff writer with a bachelor's degree in creative writing and journalism who covers news and lifestyle topics that focus on psychology, relationships, and the human experience.
