How do you respond to cringeworthy bragging?

Post date: 2021-05-04 03:09:41
Views: 190
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:
Trump vows Iran will be 'living in Hell' by Tuesday if Strait of Hormuz deadline missed
Zohran Mamdani and the business exodus? New York's office real estate market is up under new mayor
Older Americans face big tax changes. Here's where they can find free filing help
'Silent killers': How AI start-ups are trying to solve one of the retail industry's biggest problems
CNBC Points Pro: How soon should I use my credit card points after earning them?
Trump threatens tariffs of 50% on countries 'supplying military weapons to Iran'
Movie: Half Lives
Book: There is No Antimemetics Division
Movie: The Children's Train
Ray Dalio: Trump-Xi meeting to focus on trade, capital flows