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CONFESSION BOX: Brother-in-law intolerable bragging

Frustrated woman - Stock image
Frustrated woman - Stock image

My brother-in-law is someone who brags constantly. My sister is not much better. They are very well off and have houses, cars and clothes to prove it.

My husband and I are just a normal family with nothing fancy. You might say that we are jealous. And to be honest, there are times when I feel a bit jealous. But more than that it's the bragging about clothes, cars, Ipads, and houses that gets on our nerves.

Their bragging is so bad that most of the time I really don't want to visit them. Should I say something to make them wake up and realise that their behaviour is unacceptable?

Unsure, Tshwane

I understand how annoying this must be, but you and your husband are making yourselves the victims. Rather than feeling inferior, you should just note that they are insecure people who have to continually prove their self-worth through their material purchases.

This could also seem like a competition between families as to who is the most successful. Whatever the case, don't buy into it but rather feel pity for them. The less you and your husband feel inferior to them the better your relationship with them might be. I am sure you have other things that you could brag about, for instance, the fact that you and your husband are happily married or satisfied in your careers.

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