When I was a child, there was a word describing an attribute used in the ‘olden days’ that you never hear anymore—at least how it was used then. Now, that word is used for many descriptions and often separates people. It’s too bad because this attribute would be so appreciated if it were to flow back into use in our society.
Upon hearing this word, one would
imagine a gentle, polite person moving about in a way that made those around
them feel comfortable. He or she would smile readily, grasp your hand upon
being introduced, and make you feel as though you were the most important
person at that moment.
Yes, when I was young, a person who
was described as having class was a person who put others at ease and
was never offensive. This is what my father taught me. And he did indeed have
class.
It had nothing to do with someone's
income level, the way it is used today.
A person with class knew how to listen without
interrupting. When they entered a room, you could feel their calm energy. They
were magnetic, elegant in a way of being.
To a person with class, it wasn’t about them; they were genuinely interested in those they were meeting, talking to, and working with.They excelled in their working environments, perhaps even achieving more than one without this quality.
Of course, we still have people all around us with class today. However, class doesn’t seem to be valued as it used to. With all of our emphasis on ourselves, expressing our authenticity, bringing our gifts out to shine, and focusing on our own goals, our dreams, and our desires, we’re missing something.
We
aren’t mastering an attribute that helps bring out the greatness in those around
us. Becoming all that we want to be is accelerated by assistance from
others with this quality.
With
all the gross name-calling, constant criticism, vulgarities, smears, and
sarcasm flooding our media and conversations, how can we mature into a kind and
understanding society? One that fosters each other’s growth?
Let’s
be classy.
