The Art of Bragging

[Senusret I]

Just don't be like Penelope.

[Little32]

When you posted that, I thought it was related to the movie; her nose did look sort of piggish.

@Chaos, I am talking about purely casual situtations. I am not sure that bragging is ever appropriate in those situations (and I don't think the approach that you identified would qualify as bragging), and I wonder if people had other thoughts on that.

[Blacksocialite]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

By personal arena do you mean at work or in casual interactions?

I think it depends on the conversation. Don't be a walking resume` but if something is discussed where you have some experience, expertise, or that relates to an accomplishment, mention it if you feel comfortable enough to do so. Just mention it without taking up too much of the convo and either boring or annoying everyone else.

This is why the book I mentioned at the beginning of this thread is so valuable. There is a way to 'brag' without being obnoxious.

I bet if we were to ask the fellas about strategic bragging, they would have some interesting perspectives and tips.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

HC I love reading posts from my Soror Mods?
You all are classic! Post on!!!

P.S. but you know you're just jealous b/c I got a poem...

SC

Naw, I just want to see this "interest" who has no idea of the ILM, to only write in haiku. I want to see if she is capable enough in doing it...

[mulattogyrl]

I'm usually uncomfortable bragging or stating my accomplishments. I think I'm more uncomfortable at work or with strangers than with friends.

I think I get tired of that uncomfortable feeling when you know someone's thinking, "Really? You did that? That's so unexpected of a young black girl!" You can just see it in their faces sometimes. *sigh*

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by mulattogyrl

I think I get tired of that uncomfortable feeling when you know someone's thinking, "Really? You did that? That's so unexpected of a young black girl!" You can just see it in their faces sometimes. *sigh*

And you speak soooo well. Like that Barooak Obooma.

That's another thing: The art of bragging and how it relates to people's assumptions and expectations of you or "your kind."

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by mulattogyrl

I'm usually uncomfortable bragging or stating my accomplishments. I think I'm more uncomfortable at work or with strangers than with friends.

I think I get tired of that uncomfortable feeling when you know someone's thinking, "Really? You did that? That's so unexpected of a young black girl!" You can just see it in their faces sometimes. *sigh*

Well, the issue from that perspective is--it is their problem if they cannot see the "wonderment" of you. I do not think it is bragging when you are in a situation where you actually do have expertise in the topic. And even if you do not, does not mean you cannot have a rational conversation and also just well-rounded in your holistic approach. Especially at work.

The irony is that many of us grew up with the mentality that we have to be better, think faster, jump higher even fly and when some of us actually do accomplish these feats, how come it has to be shocking that we choose to do a little tooting of our own horns--especially in situations where we actually do know how to put these things together?

Why should we be worried about having too much rope to hang ourselves? How come?

Besides, I think ARTFULLY BRAGGING is different from boasting. Boasting is what I think most folks here dislike and also, when we are youthful, we tend to equate the two. Whereas, the older folks would be like, "Oh my... Sho nuff, God Bless you and Bless your heart..." or "Good for you!"

[lovelyivy84]

Originally Posted by mulattogyrl

I'm usually uncomfortable bragging or stating my accomplishments. I think I'm more uncomfortable at work or with strangers than with friends.

I think I get tired of that uncomfortable feeling when you know someone's thinking, "Really? You did that? That's so unexpected of a young black girl!" You can just see it in their faces sometimes. *sigh*

Maybe it's because of where I'm at now, but I find that reaction hilaaarious. I still look 'bout 15, so people never expect me to do what I do and know who I know.

I'm actually not a big bragger except for in extraordinary circumstances. The people at my company just blow me away on a daily basis, so I am focusing on humble and trying to learn from them.

[mulattogyrl]

Originally Posted by lovelyivy84

I still look 'bout 15

Yeah, you do.

Originally Posted by lovelyivy84

The people at my company just blow me away on a daily basis, so I am focusing on humble and trying to learn from them.

But you know what? You're not too shabby yourself. They are probably learning from you too.