How do you respond to cringeworthy bragging?

Post date: 2021-05-04 03:09:41
Views: 237
I've had a couple of professional interactions recently where my interlocutors were straight-up bragging about their accomplishments, how much money they make, how in demand they are, and so on, for an hour, in meetings where I was asking for a favor. What is the best way to respond?

Given that my social and professional circle tends to lean modest (with occasional namedropping or humblebrags at most), I am completely at sea with this behavior, and felt extremely uncomfortable. I smiled and nodded, but it felt insincere (as it was), cringing internally.

For context: I did not set up the meetings. I merely asked for a favor that could be done over email, but they elected to give me hours of their time, which sounds generous, except that the meetings were 100% about them. I chalk this up to Covid loneliness on their part?
Number of Comments
Please click Here to read the full story.
 
Other Top and Latest Questions:
Hidden beneath AI chips, Chinese-made circuit boards raise national security concerns in U.S.
Bitcoin's high-conviction holders are turning into sellers as the crypto's price hits new lows
Eli Manning's private equity firm acquires licensing company for NFL Flag in bet on youth sports
Best progressive eyeglasses - Warby Parker vs. local optometrist
I want control of my Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows)
Bridge Over Troubled Water But Ok Calm Down Not THAT Troubled
Book: The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World
Micron, Marvell, and Broadcom sink, leading chip stocks lower
Amazon engineers in Seattle slam employer for building AI data centers while laying off 30,000 staffers
Oil prices fall 3% on report Trump reluctant to restart Iran war