People With High Mental & Emotional Class Usually Say 9 Phrases In Casual Conversation
Roman Samborskyi | Shutterstock Some people would say there's a decline in classy behavior lately. People are wearing more sweats and yoga pants and less suits and other formal attire, certainly, but being mentally and emotionally classy goes much deeper than physical appearance, and being classy has little to do with actual social class these days.
Classy behavior is founded in respect and requires clear and thoughtful communication. It means earning respect by showing respect with a few simple (but powerful) phrases.
People who are mentally and emotionally classy often say 9 phrases in casual conversations
1. 'Thank you for sharing that with me'
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In emotional and vulnerable conversations, it can be easy to resort to problem-solving and advice, even when the other person is only looking for support. Classy people generally take a different approach to their social interactions. They hold space for people to speak without judgement or unprompted advice.
As good listeners, self-aware classy people don't take up too much space in conversations. While they're able to advocate for themselves and their opinions, they're not worried about sacrificing time to help support others.
While insecurity might urge people to jump in, interrupt, or divert from discomfort, classy people jump in head first, willing to communicate and support in whatever way helps other people to feel most heard and valued.
2. 'I hear you, but I don't appreciate your tone'
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Showing other people respect in a way that's classy also means setting boundaries for how you'll be treated. This also applies to yourself.
According to a study published in the International Journal on Organizational Analysis, rational thinking, best reflected in self-aware and intentional communicators, is the key to conflict resolution in relationships.
Truly classy people have the capacity to take a step back from the discomfort and emotional nature of conversations like an argument and figure out the best way to communicate their needs and advocate for themselves.
3. 'What would be the best way for me to support you right now?'
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Truly classy people may be fierce self-advocates, but they show that same level of empathy and compassion to others, too. They're not afraid to give people grace in challenging situations or lend a helping hand at the expense of their own schedule and time.
What's unique about them is how they're cognizant of the fact that not everyone needs the same things. They know that the best way to know how to help is to ask the person who needs support (or, in the case of an organization or group of people, asking those in that community or who've been serving that community for a while) instead of inserting themselves.
Rather than making assumptions or avoiding difficult conversations, classy people step up and communicate. They truly show how open to supporting them in whatever way suits them best.
4. 'I know my worth'
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Whether it's in a relationship or in prioritizing their alone time, a truly classy person has a high sense of self-worth and isn't afraid to advocate for themselves. As transformation and career coach Lisa Petsinis argues, being confident and self-assured means recognizing your value in every situation.
Even amid an argument, a brief period of self-doubt, or in the face of judgment, classy people have the self-awareness to reassure themselves. They may not say this phrase out loud (although it can be the perfect way to reassert boundaries and expectations in conversation) but they do believe in themselves enough to believe it.
5. 'I'm proud of you'
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While insecure people tend to resort to judgment and criticism, classy people have a secure enough sense of self-worth that they can celebrate and empower others to challenge themselves. They aren't afraid to look silly if it means earnestly showing support to others who deserve it.
Even amid the success of their peers, where others may adopt an envious mindset, classy people make space to celebrate other people's accomplishments, reassuring and supporting them in their endeavors.
With a phrase like "I'm proud of you," they not only encourage others to succeed, they cultivate space for them to share about their experiences without negative energy or guilt.
6. 'I made a mistake'
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Owning up to your mistakes and hurtful behaviors can feel disorienting and uncomfortable for anyone, but the practice of taking accountability is something truly classy people commit themselves to. They are emotionally responsible enough to know that they aren't perfect, and they're secure enough to say "I screwed up" without feeling like their identity is going to crumble.
They understand that their actions and words have power, even if it's not always for the best, so they aren't afraid to take responsibility when they make a mistake or say the wrong thing. Offering basic respect to others isn't just about kindness for people who are mentally and emotionally high-class, it's also about consideration and acceptance in challenging or uncomfortable circumstances.
7. 'I respect your opinion, but I disagree'
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People who are emotionally classy are often committed to respecting other people's opinions, even when they disagree. Of course, there are exceptions to this, like when the other person is being disrespectful or bigoted, but classy people know the difference between someone who disagrees and someone who has anti-social values.
But in average situations, not only are they comfortable having discussions and listening to people with different opinions, they're okay with simply "agreeing to disagree." They're also self-aware enough to recognize when a conversation is no longer productive, and they'll set a boundary so it doesn't get out of control. s.
8. 'Could you help me?'
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There's an assumption among people who are not as emotionally aware that asking for help or advice means you're weak or insecure. They also think it is going to make them look bad or make others lose respect for them.
In reality research suggests that asking others for support or advice actually makes someone look more competent, not less. Of course, it's all about how classy people ask. They aren't trying to slough their responsibilities onto others and they don't ask someone to do extra work so they don't have to research something.
Instead, they show respect to people whose lived experience or education makes them better informed on a topic or able to offer a unique perspective.
9. 'Let's work together to find a solution'
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Despite living in a competitive society where many people are pitted against each other in the pursuit of success and happiness, people who come across as competent and emotionally high-class tend to prioritize a more collaborative and thoughtful approach in many areas of life.
They are not only advocates for their own happiness and success, they also find ways to pull people in, collaborating and empowering others along the way. The magnetic energy and charisma that classy people often exude comes from the way they want to see others succeed and the fact that they enjoy being part of others' success.
Instead of boosting ego by entrenching on a subject or trying to win any random argument, they don't mind taking a step back to ensure everyone is on the same page. And, most importantly, they're committed to collaboration, rather than unhealthy competition.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
