Class isn’t about money, fancy clothes, or knowing which fork to use at dinner. It’s about character, self-awareness, and how a man carries himself in the world. And let’s be honest—some guys just don’t have it.
I’ve been a relationship expert for years, and I’ve seen enough to know that certain behaviors are dead giveaways of a man with zero class.
These aren’t minor slip-ups or bad days; they’re patterns that show a fundamental lack of respect, maturity, and emotional intelligence.
If you’re wondering whether a guy is worth your time—or if you just enjoy calling out low-effort behavior—here are seven clear-cut signs that scream “no class.”
1) He treats service workers poorly
Nothing reveals a man’s character faster than how he treats people who can’t do anything for him.
If he snaps at waiters, talks down to cashiers, or acts entitled with customer service reps, it’s not just rude—it’s a glaring sign of zero class. A 3 and respect doesn’t need to belittle others to feel important.
Pay attention to this one. The way he treats strangers today is the way he’ll treat you when the honeymoon phase wears off.
2) He’s overly obsessed with being a “gentleman”
You’d think that a guy who holds doors open, insists on paying for everything, and constantly talks about how women should be “treated like queens” would be the definition of class. But sometimes, it’s just a performance.
Real class isn’t about grand gestures or outdated chivalry—it’s about respect, emotional intelligence, and knowing when to lead versus when to step back.
If a man is constantly making a show of his “gentlemanly” ways, ask yourself: is he doing it because he truly values others, or because he wants to be seen as the good guy?
True class doesn’t need to be announced. It just is.
3) He can’t handle a woman with boundaries
A man with class respects a woman’s boundaries. A man without it? He takes them as a personal insult.
I’ve seen it time and time again—women set a simple boundary, like needing space, saying no to a last-minute plan, or expecting basic respect, and suddenly the guy is sulking, guilt-tripping, or making her feel like she’s “too difficult.”
That’s not strength. That’s emotional immaturity.
In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I talk about how the right partner won’t make you feel guilty for having standards. A man with class doesn’t push or test your boundaries—he honors them without question.
4) He brags about his “honesty”
I’ve lost count of how many men have told me, “I’m just brutally honest,” as if it’s some kind of virtue. Spoiler: it’s not.
There’s a big difference between honesty and using the truth as a weapon. A man with class knows how to be direct without being cruel. If he constantly talks about how he “tells it like it is,” chances are, he just enjoys being rude without consequences.
As the great Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
A man who values honesty and kindness understands this. A man with zero class? He hides behind “just being real” while tearing others down.
5) He name-drops to impress people
I once went on a date with a guy who managed to mention—within the first ten minutes—that he “knew a guy” who worked with a famous actor. Did it have anything to do with our conversation? Not at all. But he squeezed it in there like his life depended on it.
A man with class doesn’t need to rely on other people’s success to feel important. He’s confident enough in who he is that he doesn’t need to name-drop, humblebrag, or try to prove his worth through association.
If a guy constantly brings up who he knows, where he’s been, or what exclusive event he got into, ask yourself: is he sharing because it’s relevant, or because he’s desperate for validation?
6) He only respects people he finds useful
A man with class treats everyone with respect—not just the ones who can benefit him.
I once had a friend who was dating a guy that was all charm and warmth—until he met someone he had no use for. Suddenly, the fake smile disappeared, and he couldn’t be bothered to be polite. That’s not confidence, that’s opportunism.
As Albert Einstein once said, “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”
A man of real character doesn’t adjust his level of respect based on what someone can do for him. He treats everyone with decency because that’s just who he is.
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7) He thinks basic decency makes him special
There’s nothing more exhausting than a man who wants applause for doing the bare minimum.
If he brags about being “one of the good guys” just because he doesn’t cheat, respects women, or takes care of his responsibilities—run. That’s not high-value behavior. That’s basic human decency.
A man with class doesn’t need validation for treating people well.
He’s not looking for a medal because he “actually listens” or “isn’t like other guys.” If he needs constant credit for simply being a decent person, it probably means he’s not as decent as he thinks.
Class isn’t a performance—it’s who you are
Class isn’t about appearances, grand gestures, or saying the right things at the right moments. It’s about how a man moves through the world when no one is watching.
It’s in how he treats people, how he handles discomfort, and whether he respects others without expecting something in return.
The truth is, if a man lacks class, you’ll see it in the small things—the way he talks to a waiter, how he responds to boundaries, or whether he needs constant validation for simply being decent. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
If this article resonated with you, I highly recommend watching this video by Justin Brown.
He explores the complexities of finding a life partner, sharing personal insights on what truly matters in a relationship—things like shared values, emotional growth, and mutual respect.
If you’re serious about surrounding yourself with people who bring out the best in you, this is worth your time.
