Why do some people think bragging/showing off is attractive?

Question

Hate to break it to you guys, but it's not attractive.

akihon · Accepted Answer

I've done it in the past and found that it worked for me, first I got the attention and then when I was actually talking to the woman one to one she found out that I actually wasn't like her first thoughts about me at all and she was surprised by that.

So a lot of men do it because they too know that regardless of how things work out they get some attention good or had it doesn't really matter because it's attention that matters, after that you are able to clear up what that other person thinks about you by being more honest and again surprisingly many women seem to be attracted to the more honest version and attracted to that surprise that they find out out you aren't like they thought to begin with.

Now of course this applies in a general sense to more younger people, as I've aged and meet more people I find also that as I've accumulated wealth and status I tend to talk about it irl far less than here.

That's usually because people can see it so there isn't a need to talk about it and because it's actually really uncouth to flaunt your wealth, but talking about her adds context, talking about it as a mature adult irl is really boorish and a major eye roller.

So most mature people just don't talk about themselves in a bragging way because they don't have to and don't want to and they know that others have heard it so many times from so many other people in their lives they just switch off

morrowlow · Accepted Answer

I never do that and that's one of the greatest, most interesting things about me.

aWes0MeNeSs · Accepted Answer

I chose I know why, but really, I THINK I know why.

It's usually an overcompensation for insecurity and low confidence. It's a way of "faking it till you make it" or sometimes even just lying to oneself to feel better. Usually, they are trying really hard to convince themselves that they are all that.

I think with some guys, it's a macho thing as well. Personally, I've never been attracted to the macho attitude and don't understand why some girls seem to like it. It has always come off as assholish, arrogant, and full of shit to me. I guess some people can't see through it and think it's legitimate. It's also rampant with high school age kids, and so it's usually a sign a guy hasn't outgrown that mentality.

Jaye234 · Accepted Answer

I think people brag because they think they have to in order for people to like and respect them. That they think they aren't good enough.
Then again sometimes I think people brag because they really really love themselves and know others should too

WhistleForTheChoir · Answer

I think it's because women don't recognize the achievements of unattractive men. Generally, we as human beings are biased, and we judge the character of the opposite gender dependent upon whether we are attracted to that person or not.

Here's the thing, if a hot guy is bragging or even putting another man down, then it's 'confidence' and most women will say it's attractive (assuming they are attracted to that guy.)

However, I'm not attractive. I've been accused of bragging, when I wasn't saying anything at all. I'm a short guy, so women expect me to be weak and arrogant. Anytime there is any situation where something heavy has to be moved, and I move something heavy, there are always two women there:
1) The well-intentioned, condescending one who says things like, "Oh, that's too heavy, let the big boys handle that."
2) And the other one who accuses me of having "Little Man Syndrome" when I am wordlessly doing my job or what was asked of me.
The second one is accusing me of bragging. Why? Because she assumed I was weak, and she doesn't like being proven wrong. So she's going to keep assuming I'm weak, but now in her mind the rest of the men in the room, who seemingly can't lift as much as me, are in reality just as strong as me, they just aren't "showing off".

TL;DR - I don't think that bragging/showing off is unattractive. I think "bragging/showing off" is what you call it whenever a man you find unattractive defies your expectations. When an attractive man does it, it's called "confidence".

Brainsbeforebeauty · Answer

Insecurity for one. But also trying to act, think, or prove they're better than someone else. I knew someone who bragged about how "intelligent" he was, but funny he was the only one I ever heard say that about him.
But then on the flip side, I have a daughter who not only never says that about herself, but seems uncomfortable when others do. Which they do often. Anyone who's met or known my daughter is forever telling me how intelligent she is.
There's a difference between being confident, and being cocky. Anyways, but especially if you don't have anything to back that cockiness up with.

ChiTown33 · Answer

Because it works Beebella, maybe not for you, but you would be in the minority then. Even most women that say they don't find it attractive will choose the braggard 9 times out 10 over the other guy.
Don't believe me?
Why do we call Muhammed Ali "the greatest". Because he told the world he was the greatest every 5 minutes. Don't get me wrong Ali was a great fighter. You have to have game, you can't just have a big mouth. But women are drawn ro guys that talk the talk, walk the walk, and talk the talk a little more. Sorry i don't make the rules.

fonduegirl · Answer

Despite being a bragger, I never work for  impressing  somebody. If someone likes me, I'd like to be liked because I'm a freak and not the other hundred things I brag about. With that outta way, people think it's a good idea to nuzzle other's faces into their cushiony big ass achievements and such because : - they want attention - and validate their feelings of superiority somewhere -  big assets = big person 
 - they've worked really, really hard to get there.

Lman3000 · Answer

I find it as them just saying, hey just come fucking spit at my face cause I'm a man or woman born above all others and everything should be handed to me easily cause I'm good looking. it's true what fucking dude who has looks or genetics built like a god lives or struggles with anything in life like finding work or their love life or even social life, they don't cause of looks ha if only one day the roles would swap and attractive folk could go through what's like to be below standards having to work for something or try hard just to achieve something they desire that isn't handed out like candy to them

Anonymous · Answer

I talk about what I have done and I am happy about it. Many take that as bragging. Every now and then I find someone who has had an amazing life and I am intrigued, not put off when they speak openly about it.

I think so many people haven’t really done things that they have passion for that they also see it as bragging.

Then I think of the depressed people who also don’t have passion or excitement. Overall, I am happy and happy being a braggart... as I just see it as having passion and being happy about my life which has some very good achievement.

frostwalrus · Answer

Like attracts like. Disgusting, vulgar people like and admire the disgusting, vulgar behavior of others. People of low moral character and taste make for good partners for other people of low moral character and taste.

People who envy douchebags are misguided since they fail to factor in that douchebaggery attracts the sort of people that you don't want to be associated with anyways.

JetJas · Answer

I hate it too. Especially when some guys try to approach u and they’re like “u wanna know how big it is?”
and then they keep nagging about how attractive they are because of their size when they’re ugly af. Like fr just shove it up your own ass if you’re that proud of it cause I don’t give a shit.

iohannes · Answer

So... I think bragging can really make you seem confident. Honestly confidence is a big turn on for women but also guys so... That might be partially why..

But yeah a lot of guys are desperately trying to not only keep their confidence up (fake confidence until they get it) but also trying to just compete with others.. At the same time Some people are literally proud of what they're bragging about and don't even realize it's arrogant..

ImSparkly · Answer

I'm an over-achiever by nature, so if I say anything I have done, guys think its bragging because I'm pretty accomplished for going on 25. I have to shut up and play dumb though. It makes people uncomfortable and insecure, while questioning theirselves.

While many who do brag are insecure (or an 'Influencer') and need external validation of what they do.

WACeltRomans12 · Answer

I possibly know why ;) Some males may be or think they are ALPHA. What type of topics do we brag about?
A front man in a band I was in was a bit like that he even admitted it EGO. It could be a personality thing. Performing in front of people. For others insecurity. maybe even the past present and future? Maybe DNA as I've mentioned (personality). For me I try and share my thoughts but I can deliver them in many different ways (does that sound like I'm showing off YOU decide)

Ruby3 · Answer

Actually when i was small , that time i was the only small child in our surrounding so they love it when i say big things, and now it became my habit, but i am not rude, and even i tell my friends to don't mind me when i overdo something, and they understand it.

CaliforniaSun22 · Answer

People with a show pony mentality- are super insecure - the are caught up in how they are perceived vs. what they truly are- and that shallow. They often crave attention and it really is something deep rooted. They want to feel superior to others so they can feel good about themselves

Smccoy217 · Answer

Maybe, because they feel that if they don't brag they won't get credit for it? Ut might be their way of showing you they don't have very good social skills if they can't find a way to relate and tell you their experiences. I try hard not to one up. I'll tell my awesome story, and how it relates to them, and make it in a way that isn't bragging. (Did I just do it now? Idk)

Meropatrick · Answer

I never bragged , but i found people like you are rare. Most people respond positively to bragging. When a guy start driving an expensive car (its a sort of bragging) gold diggers starts to come out from between the cervices to go after him. When you say you are Harvard graduate people will assume you are smart. Respect you more. Its why we have company ads. Its not bragging. Its marketing (pimping) your self. To get a girl, a job, respect... etc

TheFlak38 · Answer

Never accept advice from women, guys. What they say and what they respond to are always two different things. All it takes is the man of beebella's standards to show off and she will bang him without even knowing his name.

EABsTUQ · Answer

Because it is a way to show value. Unconsciously it is turn off cause it symbolizes insecurities. They feel the need to overcompensate and this is a form of it. They don't go into a situation knowing this though, otherwise they wouldn't do it. They are just trying the best they can.

Connordiz18 · Answer

I used to brag about things but that was bc I had a lack of confidence in myself. I also showed off my car before but it wasn't to brag. It was just to pull the girl that I liked away from her mom so it wasn't awkward when I hugged her goodbye. My confidence level has changed over the years and I don't find it necessary to brag. I know that I don't need to try to change who I am or brag about what I have to please someone. I just need to be me

jamesgoldman · Answer

Some people view my jewellery as a show-off thing but I view it as a billboard in regards to my business

N. b. when I just had my gold ring it was very, very showy I remember someone (total stranger) on a table in a restaurant say look at this guy trying to play the big man but I was also in a suit but I had an appointment and the bank then broke my last £50 to buy lunch

Jonny_ · Answer

Because they see winning as the be all and end all, same with many things. Sometimes they think it makes them look good/better because it's something they want to excel at, some people like attention regardless if it's good or bad attention.

purplepoppy · Answer

It tends to be a cultural thing. In Europe it's seen as distasteful, lowbrow and vulgar while in America it's seen as a positive thing. It's why we over here just don't get trumps appeal but america loves him.

SoCk3t_PoCk3tZ · Answer

I think they brag to impress you. Showing off, ruffling their feathers. Tryna be top dog. All ego. Makes them look like an immature ass though. They just don't realize cos they young and dumb.

taleets · Answer

I’ve never understood this. My best friend constantly tries to brag about her job/money and I think it is extremely obnoxious and doesn’t reflect her well at all. Many guys try to boast about their accomplishments but like... I didn’t ask.

Bananaman177 · Answer

Hate to break it to YOU, sweetheart, but stupid girls go ga-ga for an arrogant douchebag and there's thousands of stupid girls for every smart girl out there.

I have seen the stupidest motherfuckers God ever made score chicks just by acting like a total retard more times than I can count.

You know what all the smart guys do? Go home and masturbate because NO GIRL will talk to them.

Sashamalibu · Answer

It can be a positive thing as it thins the herd. Famous last words. "Hey guys, watch this" as they very soon after get killed by falling off a mountain - or getting mauled by an angry bear. Etc

lifelearner011 · Answer

I dont' understand it, for me is a big red flag. I wonder what are the person needs, when I see this happening. Unless is a playful bragging just to laugh at your own self or make it funny I just find weird.

DizzyDesii · Answer

I used to hate when guys in HS bragged about dick size and jordans, and girls in HS bragged about purses and heels. It really isn't cute. But it makes them feel special so go right ahead ig

leahzrc · Answer

I think that some guys brag because they think girls want to be their belonging of some sort and that we would choose him because he is superior to other owners

normalice · Answer

They don't. Rather, they think bragging is the most expedient way to highlight that which they believe is attractive about themselves.

SydneySentinel · Answer

In nature, many animals do a ritualistic mating dance or call (where they show what they've got). They're just attempting to do what nature intended.

JackSmy · Answer

That is all they have. They need to talk themselves up, because they are soulless, and have no real purpose in life!

Hat0nHead · Answer

It has to be very specific 'bragging' though. It can't be belittling anyone else, and it can't be to the point where it's obnoxious.

Hawaiikai · Answer

Because people who boast are secretly boasting of things they can never really be, have, or do etc. =INSECURITY

pigoat · Answer

Seeing as it's a 50/50 chance someone finds it attractive they do it But that's only one reason

arabgoddess · Answer

I think it's to impress and I agree that it's a huge turn off

Anonymous · Answer

Here's the problem. Women say they don't find it attractive, but in reality they find guys who have that type of personality sexually attractive. That's just an unavoidable fact.

Not all women, but many / most.

uglybuthappyfrog · Answer

If there is something to brag about it CAN be attractive in my opinion

spartan55 · Answer

To be fair, girls brag just as much. They just do it a bit differently.

MountAverage · Answer

I think the only people who believe showing off is attractive, is people who show off. The ones they're showing off to usually find it douchy. Because it is.

Strahd · Answer

Because I want you to know that I work hard to get this body looking this good! OK well I am not THAT good, but it was hard to get here like this!

J2ohhhhh · Answer

People who cannot rely on their present will always bring up their past.

miMichael · Answer

Cuz most of those bragging apes have nothing else to offer then self assuring their fragile egos.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

Yes bragging is not attractive , people do it cause their life is not happy :/

Kezzz · Answer

Cause a little showing off never hurt nobody. But showing too much off... that's a whole other matter

Ihatesociety2000 · Answer

Because being humble and having humility gets you nothing, and women don't care about average guys who are honest about themselves. They're too boring to them.

If bragging didn't work, nobody would do it.

nailsandhair · Answer

I think they perceive bragging as confidence.. there's a thin line between arrogance and confidence as they say...

Kiran_Yagami · Answer

If women didn't find it attractive, men wouldn't do it. But obviously some girls do.

Dnice1 · Answer

I find it very attractive when my man shows off! He makes me want to return the favor!

genericname85 · Answer

simplest answer ever: because they don't know better.

JesseTheMan · Answer

I do it ironically cuz I like self-deprecation and think it's funny when people shit on themselves. Being slightly subtle about it makes it fun too.

Arkkells · Answer

Guys in particular show off to people to try to prove that they are better than someone or other people in general to show that they are more up there.. I forgot the word i was gonna use smh

Jackblue · Answer

Sometimes people do it because they think people hate them anyways and do not wish to seem weak.

roy_ricky09 · Answer

Yack... It's not at all attractive. My first impression about that person would be Fake

Liam_Hayden · Answer

They might be attractive to people who think that they can easily manipulate the braggart.

TallAnon · Answer

To a certain extent, being proud of yourself and what you do is nice to see.

Walrus_au · Answer

Because people are stupid. maybe not the correct answer, but it's my current hypothesis.

Rolando755 · Answer

It's not attractive to you but A LOT OF WOMEN find it attractive and spread their legs QUICK to a man who's an arrogant braggart. If it didn't work to get sex then men would've stopped being arrogant centuries ago.

BrexitAteMyLobster · Answer

I don't know why, but I have a huge penis 🤷‍♂️

simplelikeme · Answer

Generally when people show off it's because they are insecure. And they are hoping whatever they show off the opposite person will like them even more for it because they have no self esteem.

BoxySama · Answer

Eyeshadow Bragg, having all that pride and hyping yourself up is no cool

Why do some people think bragging/showing off is attractive?

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