Comments on: Dealing With A Braggert.

By: The Dirt Man

The Dirt Man — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:45:24 +0000

Braggarts are all, without exception in my experience, one, or both, of the following personality types: insecure or narcissistic. So, knowing this, you have two options: play to their personality flaw, or play against it. If you want to play to it, then it’s pretty simple: reassure the insecure and flatter the narcissisist. If you want to play against it, then it’s a bit more complex, but still pretty straightforward: reassert the (perceived) validity of the insecure’s fears or counter narcissicism with co-dependence for which the narcissist is unprepared. The flavor varies with the person and the situation, but these are really the only ways to go without courting frustration. I find that these simple strategies go a long way toward either ingratiating oneself to the person in question, or shutting them up.

By: Allison

Allison — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:49:49 +0000

Hmmm, I have a friend like this.

My finance once told me that if someone proclaims they are something over and over again, they are usually the opposite, i.e. "My life is perfect," really means: "My life sucks."

Sometimes it just takes a very long time to get through the tough "perfect" exterior. Unless you live in So Cal then there is usually nothing deeper than the exterior

Give it time. Maybe this person will surprise you.

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:10:16 +0000

Royce – that's amazing advice, why didn't I think of that? Oh, that's right, because I'm not a cast member of the Jersey Shore!!!

By: Royce

Royce — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:04:48 +0000

Just punch them in the face next time you see them

By: PRIMAMAG

PRIMAMAG — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:54:55 +0000

OH MY GOD. This is totally about me, isn't it? Well I can't help if my life is... for lack of a better word... PERFECT.

haha. just kidding. I loved reading this post and thinking of the SNL skit and then at that moment, actually READING your reference to the SNL skit.

I think it's safe to say that people like that are desperately trying to compensate for something that is seriously lacking in their life. I think it has alot to do with being a considerate human, and being genuine. This person doesn't sound too genuine, and almost sounds like someone that is friends with you for whatever professional benefit she can gain.

By: Karl in NC

Karl in NC — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:58:38 +0000

Perhaps start by not calling her back immediately…

Officiously entitled people don't like it when their victims start fighting back, but that's their problem, not yours. Good luck!

By: Andrea V. Lewis

Andrea V. Lewis — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:53:44 +0000

So many people forget that communication is a two-way street. Acutely aware of this, I always make it a point to engage in the conversation by listening AND asking questions. So often I find that when I'm talking to someone that they never ask questions back. After one strike I try avoid any long-term commitment conversations and opt for short small talk before hightailing it out of there.

Never heard of a "braggert" did you come up with that? If so, brilliant! If not, take credit anyway…lol. Great post!

By: Royce

Royce — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:46:44 +0000

Well you are just as bad, but at least you're self-aware haha

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:59:14 +0000

Grace – you're probably right. I just can't help but feel a little taken advantage of.

Royce – I guess I finally just got to the point where it was funny instead of hurtful Maybe I'm just as bad by making it a game instead of saying something?

By: Royce

Royce — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:44:08 +0000

Forgot to say I completely agree with Grace that the most likely cause of this (other than being a dumb bastard) is that this person is probably not super happy overall with their job situation. Or they get really moody so they'll soon be unhappy. Good call KGB