How do you respond to cringeworthy bragging?

Post date: 2021-05-04 03:09:41
Views: 255
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:
Silo: Whatever You Do, Don't Go Home Show Only
Imax 70 mm screenings become the biggest star for Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
Analysis: A powerful new coalition of AI skeptics is coalescing right in Trump's blind spot
From Silicon Valley to DC, the tech world is suddenly obsessed with one concept in AI: Distillation
SpaceX stock-purchasing by Congress members fuels conflict concerns
Amazon, Meta and Microsoft face skeptical investors this week after Google report sparked sell-off
Student loan default is rising: 3 ways to start paying down your balance — even on a tight budget
New Republican ads slam Democrats opposed to Trump's tariffs
The future of Wall Street is here as startups and brokers build AI agents to trade 24/7
Dow rallies 600 points, boosted by strong earnings and a steep decline in oil: Live updates