The chances are you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about, but if you’re still unsure of what to look out for, telltale signs include backhanded compliments or phrases such as, “How’s work? It’s so annoying that my boss wants me to lead this huge project again.”

“Ask-braggers also often fish for compliments by downplaying their achievements and waiting for others to praise them,” notes Khwaja. “The brag may also come in the form of a complaint with an underlying boast, similar to humble bragging.”

Worried you might be guilty of ask-bragging yourself? There are ways to reduce the risk of alienating your friends and colleagues.

1. Work on your listening skills

The experts suggest asking questions you can’t answer yourself and working on your listening skills. If you’re truly engaged in active listening, rather than simply waiting for someone to finish talking so you can cut in, you’re far less likely to be thinking about what you’re going to say and more likely to be empathetic to your fellow conversationalist.

2. Be honest with yourself

“If you want to stop ask-bragging, ask yourself: Am I looking for advice, or do I just want to be acknowledged?” says life coach Sam Adams. “If it’s the latter, just say it. There’s nothing wrong with being proud of what you’ve done.”

3. Work on your self-awareness

“If you’re a serial ask-bragger, try to develop the self-awareness to recognise these patterns and feel comfortable owning your success without needing to wrap it in a question,” advises Adams.

The takeaway? If in doubt, keep quiet. There’s no good way to brag, other than allowing your mates to do it for you.

Are you guilty of ‘ask-bragging’? Here’s how to tell – and what to do about it