How can I get a guy to subtly STOP talking about the same thing and bragging?

[Anonymous]

This older man online who I’m texting is just going on and on about his interest. I’m a nice person so I’m not gonna tell him that. But I really hope there’s more going on there and the friendship isn’t just gonna end up being him taking about his hobby and bragging too.

[Anonymous]

You could try changing the topic when he starts with his bragging, but tbh I think that’s just part of his ego and personality. Someone who likes to boast about themselves and their accomplishments don’t consider it a boring or annoying conversation, so if you want to continue talking to him then you have to gut up and be blunt. Otherwise his will turn your kindness as a weakness and not respect your requests going forward.

[Asker]

Gosh I can’t for the life of me think why anyone would want to sit there and listen to me talk about good things I’ve done.
I’m trying to give him the benefit of the doubt and think he’s got other qualities and isn’t obnoxious. i haven’t met him yet lol so surely I’m just not getting the full picture.

[Opinion Owner]

I agree! Some men are just like that though, they want their egos fed, he’d love for you to gas him up about his accomplishments. You referred to him as a friend so I don't know what your intentions are for him going forward, but if you’re only dealing with him on a platonic level then don’t feel inclined to deal with all that. Hell, even if you wanted to go further than friends, you’ve got to be honest with yourself about what works and what doesn’t, especially so early in like this where it’s easier to cut him off. Like with your guy it’s not as if this is some phase for him or whatever, he’s very grown and this is the personality traits he’s spent his whole life building. Imagine that relationship, constantly having to listen to the ranting and pumping him up, it’s exhausting. Don’t settle for that, or rationalize his deal breakers.

[Asker]

Yep if this goes on one more day I may just fall asleep and that’s that.
Will have to see how this plays out.
Have tried to sort of gas him up but not even sure if he cares that much lol.

[MsTaniaUncensored]

How about you try talking about some of your interests. He may be trying to keep the conversation going to avoid awkward silences.

[Asker]

I’m not really into talking about myself. I also am more of a doer. Would rather go places do things see things etc. I give hints like that a lot but I don’t know if he understands.

[surprisedjo]

Stop responding, eventually he'll get the message and might divert the conversation to talk about you.

[Asker]

I be giving some bland replies so far but he doesn’t get it :/

[Iron_Man]

Talk to him about it

[Asker]

What do I say?

[Iron_Man]

Just tell him let’s talk about other things once in a while

[Asker]

Haha. Ok thanks 😊

[Iron_Man]

Sure…