A Class act

To my mind, too much is still made of Class and social origins in British life and culture, despite what is made of us having becoma a “classless society”.

What does it really matter if someone is Working Class, Middle Class or Upper Class, if such definitions even still exist? In my opinion, surely, it is what is inside a person which truly counts, is it not?

And what does this class distinction have to do with seeing an Escort?

There are many who portray themselves as “Posh Totty”, as which is fine by me and I have nothing against anyone who does say this, as long as they really are well-educated in all of its facets, particularly etiquette and decorum.

By this I mean they know the correct protocol for social interactions, the proper deportment for a lady and the correct manners to show towards a gentleman. It is not qualifications or the best Finishing schools which truly make and define a lady. No, it is her experience at the University of Life and her willingness in employing these skills fully.

I have met some beautiful and very well-educated and well-spoken ladies who sadly let themselves down through a surly and superior attitude, which I find to be such a tragedy. Equally, a coldness of character does nothing to engender someone to others.

By contrast, I have also met some ladies from much more humble backgrounds, who have none of the airs and graces of some, yet are so adorable through their down-to-earth attitude, their genuineness and their open disposition.

I have also met some gorgeous ladies who are very well-spoken and well-qualified who carry it off perfectly. Indeed, one lady I know is just so. She is clearly very intelligent and perfectly spoken, whilst conducting herself charmingly too. To my mind, she epitomises everything a lady should be.

There is one thing to be a “classy lady”, but, in my mind, this has nothing to do with one’s social class, rather a lady’s attitude and her spirit.

I am not so shallow to judge a lady by whether she uses the correct fork when we are out to lunch or if she does not speak with the most refined “plummy” accent or if she regularly uses expletives. Of course not! No, I decide whether a lady is a true lady by her attitude and actions towards me and those around us.

I remember meeting one lady a few years ago at a Working House. who told me she was from Basildon. However, what immediately endeared her to me was the fact she said it almost by way of an apology! When I asked her why she had put it in the manner she had, she simply replied “well that’s what people think of us “Essex Girls”, isn’t it? Everyone’s prejudged us as Slappers!”

I hate social prejudices and I told her I believe it is not where you are from but who you are, which counts. We really warmed to one and another and had a blast, particularly as she kept hamming up the “Babe” references to tease me, which became a standing joke.

Equally, I can recall several extremely well-spoken ladies who also boasted a good education too, who made such a play on being “Posh Totty”, yet were either so rude or supercilious to me or generally vile to all of those around us when we were out, I found they were not ladies whose company I felt comfortable in.

Can anyone be a gentleman?

I have always sought to treat those I meet with respect and courtesy and to act as I believe a gentleman should. However, I did not come from any privileged background, nor did I go to a private school or a top university. I just believe anyone who really respects ladies and knows how to treat those around him can still be classified as a gentleman.

I am sure I am not alone in meeting plenty of men at the opposite end of the scale, who would never classify as a gentleman through their behaviour and attitude towards others. Nothing to do with their social status or education, rather their disrespect for people in general.

Being a gentleman is a conscious decision and a lifestyle, not a title.

What is “Class”?

As I said earlier, this has nothing to do with one’s social Class, as I think this has been the bane of British culture for far too long. People talk about how society has become much more “Classless”, but I feel those with certain privileges still enjoy too many advantages, least of all in their playing off them.

I am always far more impressed with someone who has worked their way up from nothing, who refuses to use excuses to justify their position in life, over someone who is born into something and has never had to struggle to achieve success.

Some of the most dignified people one can ever meet are those with nothing, but who are not bitter for it, rather displaying a humility few others possess. Contrast this with someone who expects everyone else to do things for them and talks down to everyone else or someone who feels the world owes them a living. Who floats your boat and who gets under your skin?

Maybe my definition of Class will not match yours, but I do believe the “classiest” individuals are those with a genuine elegance of character, who show true respect and reverence for others, regardless of their status or what they can get out of them.

It is not the label one gives oneself which defines us, rather what we are really like inside and how we treat others. For me, that is what a “Class Act” really is.