Everybody has a style, but not everyone has class. I have no idea where he got it, but here is something my dad gave to me years ago, and I hung on to it. He had a formal third grade education, but he had class and style, something to look up to.

Class never runs scared. It is sure-footed and confident. I can handle whatever comes along.

Class has a sense of humor. It knows that a good laugh is the best lubricant for oiling the machinery of human relations.

Class never makes excuses. It takes its lumps and learns from past mistakes.

Class bespeaks an aristocracy that has nothing to do with ancestors or money. Some wealthy "blue bloods" have no class, while some individuals who are struggling to make ends meet are loaded with it.

Class is real. It can't be faked.

Class is comfortable in its own skin. It never puts on airs.

Class never tried to build itself up by tearing others down. Class is already up and need not strive to look better by making others look worse. (My dad underlined this one.)

Class can "walk with kings, and keep its virtue and talk with crowds and keep the common touch." (Rudyard Kipling) Everyone is comfortable with the person who has class because that person is comfortable with himself.

If you have class, you've got it made. If you don't have class, no matter what else you have, it doesn't make any difference.