How do you respond to cringeworthy bragging?

Post date: 2021-05-04 03:09:41
Views: 187
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:
Levi Strauss revenue jumps again, with DTC making up more than half of sales for the first time
CEO shares a 'very dangerous' red flag in a boss—it makes employees feel like they 'signed up for a false promise'
ICE agents shoot man in California after he 'weaponized' vehicle, DHS says
Delta, Southwest raise checked bag fees $10 amid jet fuel price surge, joining other carriers
Australians charged with war crimes?
Book: There is No Antimemetics Division
Movie: The Children's Train
First ships pass Strait of Hormuz since Trump-Iran ceasefire, but traffic remains low amid confusion
Oil prices plunge after Iran agrees to safe passage through Strait of Hormuz during ceasefire
AI's next bottleneck: Why even the best chips made in the U.S. take a round trip to Taiwan