Why does my friend keep bragging and simultaneously putting me down?

[Anonymous]

My friend keeps bragging about how pretty she is. Granted, I think she's beautiful, however her bragging annoys me sometimes.

She tells me she intimidates people, especially other women, because of her good looks. And that she has problems with female friends because she's the prettiest one in her social circle. She then said that while she's intimidating, I'm not in any way intimidating, though.

She said when we're out in public everyone stares at her, and she says I never get stared at (which I do). She also "body-checks" and compares her body to mine to make me insecure. She points out my insecurities. I think we're both attractive women, and this irritates me to no end. What should I do? Why is she doing this?

[noemiii]

Well first off I’ll be frank that your friend is a Narcissist, because that is what they do (and we’re all narcissists to some extent, but some people are actually DIAGNOSED narcissists) they need to reassure themselves by putting others down.

She sees you as competition, and the only way to handle competition is to make them feel less than. This is why she’s saying these things. Does she also tell you negative stuff about people but still hang around them? When you tell her good news is she quiet or disinterested? Typical narcissist.

You need to drop that friendship, girl. There’s nothing that will come out of it good and people like that only befriend people to expose their weaknesses. If you are a highly empathetic person you’re an easy target. You can keep the friendship all you want, but just know in the future this type of friend will betray you, whether it be flirting with your boyfriend, messing up your good opportunities or even ruining your self esteem. If you do decide to remain friends, do research on narcissistic behavior at least.

[Pyrofox]

Less likely she is intimidating and more just boring.