If your friend brags a lot, you may be annoyed.You may not be able to deal with constant one-upping if you love your friend very much.It's possible that your friend doesn't care about you at all.A friend who brags too much may not know how their actions affect other people.You can repair your friendship by dealing with their actions in a positive way.
Step 1: The subject can be changed.
Referring the conversation can curb braggart behavior.Change the subject if your friend starts talking about something.You might be able to talk about a class you're both in or a book you love.You could compliment a friend and encourage them to praise others.If your friend keeps turning the conversation back to themselves, politely tell them you don't want to talk about that right now.You don't have to tell them why.You could say that Jacob is very cool.Have you seen the trailer for the new superhero movie?It looks great.What kind of movies do you like?
Step 2: Don't compete with them.
You may want to brag back if your friend is always one-upping you.Your friend will want to best you and you will be even more angry.Hold your tongue when you feel the urge.Stoops to their level won't help.If you want to best them, never lie about your accomplishments.You will feel bad if they don't find out.
Step 3: An example can be set for your friend.
Correct yourself out loud if you notice yourself boasting.If you apologized to your friend, you should have said something like, "I didn't realize I had been boasting."I will try not to do that in the future.It makes people feel bad.Your friend might follow suit if you try to stop.If your friend knows they have a problem, they might be too embarrassed to change their behavior.Knowing that other people struggle can push them towards improvement.Don't brag on purpose to self-correct yourself.This is not aggressive.Your friend may pick up on your anger, but not necessarily on the hint.Become aware of your own braggarts.
Step 4: Don't insult your friend.
People don't realize how much they hurt other people.Your friend might not mean to hurt you.They should be treated kindly and respectfully.Ganging up against them won't solve the problem.Try to be understanding if your friend only brags on occasion.People want to brag from time to time.We all want to show our friends and family our accomplishments.It's not okay for your friend to emphasize the point that they have achieved something that you can't have or do.Tell your friend how you feel in that case.
Step 5: You can change the way you compliment them.
How you praise them can affect their behavior.They should complement their actions."You're amazing!"They might be given incentive to brag in the future.Say, "You did a good job!"It encourages them to work hard and puts emphasis on the action.You don't have to compliment your friend if they are fishing for praise.Don't treat them badly, but pay attention to something else.You could say, "I appreciate how much effort you put into the group project."We couldn't have done it without you.
Step 6: Tell them you love them for who they are.
Some people brag because they think others will only love them if they are amazing.Tell your friend that you care about them.Explain that you aren't the kind of person to judge someone based on their success or possessions, and that what matters to you is their heart.Tell your friend how much you care and compliment them on small things."Dakota, I really loved spending time with you today," you could say to your friend.You're great to talk to.They may feel uncomfortable boasting around you in the future if you don't like it.
Step 7: It's a good idea to have a safe atmosphere when you talk to them.
People who brag are less confident than they appear.Your friend might brag because they're afraid of you.You and your friend can express themselves authentically in a safe space in your conversations.It depends on your attitude.Your friend will feel comfortable if you approach them compassionately.They will become more nervous if you feel angry around them.
Step 8: Ask your friend about their braggadocio.
Talk to them about how their behavior hurts.If you feel like they don't care about you, tell them.Ask them if they could be more aware of their actions.Avoid being aggressive.They shouldn't put the blame on them.You brag too much!The emphasis should be on your feelings.When you one-up what I say, I feel hurt.
Step 9: Speak clearly about your concern.
Your friend might not take the hint that you might vaguely mention how much you hate braggart."Hey, Henry, can we talk?"I was hurt when you started talking about your dog after I told you that my dog had died.I felt like you weren't paying attention to me.I feel like I listen to you.Can you listen to me?Start a conversation with your friend about how they feel when they are around other people who brag.If your friend says they are frustrated or annoyed, talk to them about how you have had similar experiences with them.
Step 10: Do you know if the relationship is healthy?
Limit or end your friendship if nothing else works.It is a serious decision to let go of a friendship.If you need time away from your friends, think carefully about your friendship.It might be a rough patch for you and your friend.Is your friend the one-upping type?They may be struggling in their personal life if not.Don't end the friendship until you know what's going on.Ask the tough questions.What do you think about them?Does this person make you better or worse?Do they care about you?
Step 11: Give yourself time to get used to it.
If you don't want to be friends anymore, temporarily separate yourself from them.Do you feel better or worse?Do you miss them?How do you want to go?Let your friend know.Give them the purpose and duration of your break, and answer any questions they have.They may feel confused if you ignore them.Kelsie, I think we might need some space, but I appreciate our friendship.I need time to think about our friendship.Is it possible to take a break from each other?I'd be happy to answer your questions.
Step 12: If necessary, end the friendship.
Return to the decision with a clear head after your break.It's best to end the friendship if you felt happier during your separation.Don't ignore the person.They still deserve basic respect even though you don't have to engage with them.Tell them what you think.They may feel hurt if you avoid them.Don't insult them and keep their feelings in mind."Robin, I think it's best if we don't spend a lot of time together," you might say.You don't care about me when you brag.I know we talked about this before, but I don't think either of us changed.I don't think we will work well together.If we spent less time around each other, it would be a good idea.Is that okay?
Step 13: Move on.
Painstaking feelings may linger when you've been hurt by a friend.You might feel anger, grief, or a deep sense of loss.In the case of painful relationships, distance is the best.Whatever you have to do to move on.Don't spend time around them if you block their number.Do not respond more than necessary if your old friend contacts you persistently.Don't fall into old habits.Do not react if they insult you.Tell a trusted adult if you are under the age of 18.They can help with the situation.Your friend might apologize later for their behavior.Don't let them pressure you into it if you're not ready, it's up to you.