For most of my life I have been dealing with people who feel the need to brag to me. I've never been quite sure why people have this desire to tell me everything they bought or are going to do or what they are going to buy next. I've always narrowed it down to the fact that I honestly don't care and maybe people recognize that. I also assume that people are aware of the "things" I have and do in my life that I do not brag about or bother to tell anyone. I remember this one time I went to Florida, it was literally planned a month before we left, and I told my cousin that I was going. For nearly a month and then after I came back from my trip I barely heard from her. Then one day in late March she was on the phone with me and said "I couldn't talk to you because I was too jealous." I mean really? It is a vacation. I'm sure in her life time she'll take vacations and buy things and I probably will still talk to her and not stand around acting all jealous that I can't have a conversation with her. She went to Florida a couple years before and found out about it when we were away together at a cottage. I didn't stop talking to her because she was going and I wasn't. My point is that a lot (not all) people cannot be happy for others that appear to have something they don't. They can't wish them well before cursing them behind their backs. Recently, that same cousin broke up with a boyfriend and she has made it public (on facebook) that she is buying herself lavish gifts as break up presents. Now, I am of the mind that I buy myself what I want, when I want it. I don't need a reason or the green light. I'm my own person. However, what I can tell you is that it gives her a reason to brag publicly on facebook. First it was a pair of crystal-fake-diamond-looking earrings and now it is an iphone. She then stated that her 3rd purchase would be next week. Of course she won't tell you what it is because then she has no reason to put images on facebook. I'm not a bragger, nor am I envious of others lives. I have a lot and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I was taught a lot of valuable lessons about life and lifestyle from a young age and that echos in my values and choices that I make today. One thing my parents never instilled in me was a hate for others who had more than you. Not to be jealous but know that you will get the same in return. My mom always said to me "there will always be someone who has more than you, who drives a better car, who takes better vacations and who is prettier" and I always remember that. I mean being envious isn't a bad thing but being a green eyed monster, and not talking to someone because of something they have is just childish. I've come to understand that people brag to me because they think I will be impressed. That I want to be impressed because of the things I have or buy. What people forget about me is that I am not superficial. "Things" don't make me want to be your friend. They don't attract me to someone. The biggest turn off is when someone flaunts all their shit and thinks that it is impressing everyone. I am a simple person, I may like expensive purses and clothes and watches but I don't go "hey, look I broke up with my boyfriend and failed a test therefore I am rewarding myself with meaningless objects to fulfill the fact that I have nothing important in my life." I've realized that people brag to feel important. They brag because they are insecure and these things give them a sense of entitlement and meaning in life. People attached so much meaning to materialistic purchases that they feel it gives them status. It is sad that this is how the human race exists. But more importantly it is sad that I constantly have to hear the bragging of others when I really couldn't give a fig.