How do you respond to cringeworthy bragging?

Post date: 2021-05-04 03:09:41
Views: 284
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:
Meta- and Google-backed Jio Platforms’ shares soar over 21% on trading debut after record IPO
Art and other things in cans
To ID.me or not to ID.me?
Tengo una pregunta para hablantes de español
St. Louis Fed's Musalem: Another rate hike needed 'soon'
Chevron and Exxon hit all-time highs as refining profits soar in reaction to Iran and Ukraine wars
Treasury Department announces new Series I bond rate of 5.51% for the next six months
Stargate SG-1: Allegiance Rewatch
Special Event: Rifftrax: PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE
The Diplomat: Special Envoy