When you have accomplished a lot of things and you are proud of your achievements, insecure people may accuse you of bragging. You can either worry about being called a bragger, hide your light or find a new group of people to hang out with who want more out of life.
Envy can kill relationships, people who have jealousy and competitive feelings may try to take others down. Have you ever heard of the crab mentality where crabs could easily escape from a bucket but some of the crabs pull the other crabs back down to the bottom? The same behaviour happens with people, some individuals will try and reduce the confidence of others by and try to stop their progress. They do this by calling others braggers, by sabotaging their actions and putting people down.
Successful people reach out to other successful people and find mentors who help them to move up to the next level. Sometimes you have to leave the people on the path to nowhere behind, and find a new group of like-minded people.
Next time you are accused of being a bragger by a small-minded crab, use one of our clever comebacks and don’t worry about what other people think.
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Vote for the best comeback when you are called a bragger
Definition of a bragger
We all have our moments of proud achievements that we want to brag about. However, excessive and inappropriate bragging can be perceived as an annoying trait.
A bragger habitually boasts about their accomplishments, possessions, or abilities. While this is usually okay, these individuals overdo it to the point where they drive people to avoid talking to them.
Bragging is also a form of self-promotion, which is fine in moderation, but when it becomes insensitive and too much, it comes out arrogant. Usually, bragging is a person’s way to achieve validation. It’s a way of seeking attention.
Sometimes, it can have a deeper root, like a way to compensate for feelings of inadequacy. Being proud of your accomplishments is typical, but always partner it with respect and consideration. Talk about your achievements in a way that does not make people around you uncomfortable.
How to deal with being called a bragger
When you are called a bragger, it’s a good time to assess yourself. However, it’s undeniable that it can be quite hurtful. So it’s essential to deal with it properly. This way, you grow instead of being stagnant.
- Listen to the feedback: If you have been called a bragger, there must be a reason. You might struggle to hear the truth objectively, but it’s an important step to improving yourself. Listen to their reasons and take it as constructive words rather than an attack.
- Reflect on your behaviour: Reflect on what they have to say. Ask yourself helpful questions like “Are there times when I come across as excessively boastful? Try to pinpoint specific scenarios when you think you’ve been a bragger. You can now work on responding better to situations.
- Practice humility: Humility is way better than being a bragger, so you’ll probably have better social interactions if you start practicing it. Take time and practice humility in your simple daily interactions with others. You can begin by acknowledging the contributions of others, being gracious in receiving compliments and avoiding excessive self-promotion.
- Focus on others: Try to shift your focus to other things, like paying attention more to others. Too much bragging is self-centred, and focusing on other people is a good start in being more mindful of others. You can try actively listening to others, acknowledging their ideas, and celebrating their successes.
- Seek support: If being called a bragger has taken a toll, you should seek professional help. You could talk with a therapist or counsellor and see how they can help you navigate your feelings.
It’s totally okay to be proud of your achievements and flex it to your friends as long as you’re not hurting anyone. Do not overdo your flex because too much will sound overly self-centred and annoying. In everything, remember to be kind and considerate.
Mohamed Ali was one of the world’s greatest braggers
Not only was Mohamed Ali an amazing boxer, he was also a world champion bragger. Ali had a big personality, and he used it to psych out his opponents with his bragging.
He was famous for his quotes that he would use in the ring to excite the audience.
It’s hard to be humble when you’re as great as I am. – Mohamed Ali
If you even dream of beating me you’d better wake up and apologize. – Mohamed Ali
Braggin’ is when a person says something and can’t do it. I do what I say. – Mohamed Ali
I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was. – Mohamed Ali
More clever comebacks you might like
- Comebacks if you are called a smart ass
- What to say if you’re called an asshole
- Best ever comebacks to insults
Famous people who have been called a bragger
Here are some celebrities that have been labelled as braggers:
- Donald Trump: In his many public appearances, the former US president has displayed his boastful traits, which earned him the label. He has quite a huge tendency to boast about his wealth, accomplishments, and intelligence.
- Kanye West: Kanye West tends to make so much fuss over how much of a genius he is and how he is the number one musician. This frequent behaviour has earned him the “bragger” title. He also makes absurd claims and puts himself on a pedestal. It looks like West genuinely believes that he’s better than everyone else.
- Conor McGregor: In the fighting world, the MMA fighter has been called a bragger because of how he trash talks. He is known to boast a lot about his fighting abilities.
- Floyd Mayweather Jr.: This retired boxer is known for excessive bragging about his wealth. He has been known to flaunt his wealth and possessions frequently.
- Kim Kardashian: The Kardashian family is one of the most famous families because of their wealth and famous reality show. The reality TV star has been called a bragger for her self-promotion and excessively flaunting her wealth and lifestyle.
Talking about something you worked hard on is okay, but there is a suitable platform and time to do that. Excessive habitual bragging can make you sound like a show-off. Even though these celebrities have been labelled as braggers, it’s important to remember that it’s not their entirety, and there’s more to them. It’s good to remember to be respectful of everyone.
The role of counselling and self-care
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When you are dealing with being called bragger by others and you find it stressful, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counselor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.
Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home.
Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.
