"Money cannot buy class" may be a cliché but it's one that's been proven time and time again, and with good reason. Elegance really isn't a product of material wealth but more, a result of education and good grooming. While there are plenty of tips and tricks one can internalise when it comes to becoming classy, not much has been said about the set of behaviours to avoid if you wish to exude elegance and grace. Here are six such things.

Never seek attention

Classy people are often in the spotlight but rarely would you see them enjoying it or hogging it. Even with something as mundane as their daily conversations, they prefer letting the other person speak, rather than going on about themselves. They are naturally curious people and love to learn by observation and listening.

Never pretend to be someone you are not

Elegance is owning your personality, not borrowing or stealing others'. Classy people are original and confident about themselves at all times. This may come across as suspicious or pretentious to some people but only because they carry themselves so flawlessly.

Never brag

Smart people don't need to. Their achievements shine through their work and their genuine group of friends act as their flagbearers. This is primarily because people with class do not feel the need to have other people's validation or admiration. Highly private by nature, elegant people are confident and yet aspire to superior standards. This is why, even if they don't undermine their accomplishments, they'd rather keep it quiet.

Never leave behind a mess

Sophisticated people are never burdensome on people. If they use something from others, they replace it or refill it before returning. If they stay somewhere, they tidy up before they leave. They respect people around them and never create a situation in which others would need to pick up after them.

Never snitch or indulge in gossip

People with cultured tastes crave others' trust and respect, and being a snitch can take both away. It makes people distrust you and be wary of confiding in you. Gossiping is an equally deceitful habit and can make people second-guess their relationship with you. Classy people never pay attention to rumours and usually dispel petty gossip when it reaches them. They rise above cheap thrills, choosing to invest in sound friendships instead.

Never give in to peer pressure

Smart people know when to stop. They do not succumb to peer pressure, especially if they know things can slip out of their control. While fun loving and laid back with the people around them, they protect their boundaries like sharks. This means having the confidence to say no, and in a way that doesn't sound rude.