How can we respond to humble bragging?

If you’re finding someone else’s saccharin Instagram posts triggering, you’re not alone. But you might want to examine why you’re feeling so irritated by them. Are you jealous? Or do you feel threatened by their success?

And sometimes, being the bigger person is the best way to go.

“React only to the accomplishment the other person is discussing, not the disguise,” advises Clews. “This may be difficult to do at first, especially if the person is a constant humble bragger, but it will encourage them to simply share their accomplishment in the future rather than annoyingly humble bragging.”

Try giving them what they’re after: “If we can acknowledge each other’s successes without jealousy or unhealthy competition, we’re closer to becoming equals and eliminating their superiority,” says Clews. “Next time the person brags respond with something that acknowledges their efforts, such as ‘I’m sure that wasn’t easy, well done!’ or ‘That’s something to be really proud of.’”

Then you can bask in your emotional maturity (just don’t brag about it).

Beware the humble brag: it makes people dislike you more than outright boasting