The conversation I was having with a friend was about men, particularly those who like to brag about their… talents. Beforehand. And we both burst out laughing, this sort of guys are bad news and, put to the test, they will be found lacking.
OK, that was girl-talk, but, truth is there’s plenty of people out there who like to brag endlessly about everything you could think of - their car, their job, their reputation, their promotion. At first, you might find such a person intimidating, or you might find yourself in awe. The confidence with which they speak of themselves will make you believe they’re quite accomplished. You might fall into their trap and consider yourself small and insignificant, compared with such a guy with so many wonderful qualities.
And yet, psychologists agree that people who practice an aggressive form of self-aggrandizing are usually those who are most insecure. Boasting is just their way of hiding their self-doubts, even from themselves.
Some of the things such people brag about might even be real - like the guy who insists on how much money he is making to attract women. Deep down he’s known all his life he doesn’t have the looks or at least a charming personality to be popular with the ladies, but, at least, he has money.
And, without trying to be mean, it must be said men do it more often than women. According to one UK survey, ‘men’s reliance on bragging comes from a greater need to boost their own confidence and one in 10 men said they do it in a bid to win the respect of others.’
We all have our insecurities and dealing with them is no easy job. Those who resort to self-advertising, finding day after day something new to brag about are definitely annoying, but they are also those we need to pity most…
Whatever insecurities are plaguing you, there are others who have it worse!