I love to play this game by taking the oneupmanship to an absurd level. If someone is humble bragging about stressing over a speaking engagement, I’ll causally

I love to play this game by taking the oneupmanship to an absurd level. If someone is humble bragging about stressing over a speaking engagement, I’ll causally mention that the student organizations that book speakers at Yale can be difficult to work with. If they start talking about their Tesla, I’ll work in a mention about how tragic it is that Fedship isn’t committing enough resources to electric conversions. I was at a work function and a colleague was going on about Zenga suits, I then started complaining that Zilli hasn’t opened enough boutiques in North America. I don’t even own a car or a suit, much less a superyacht or far-end men’s couture. I don’t play in bad faith like this if I value the input of the people I’m talking to. I definitely smile and nod if I like or need something from someone playing this game. I suppose by displaying awareness of the brands I’m also engaging in the game on the same side of the spectrum as the folks who actually wear a Rolex/Patek watch. Anywho, if you find yourself In a conversation with someone bitching about how the tax benefits of a third vacation home aren’t what they used to be, you might be talking to me.