No matter how you think about it, boasting is not a good quality, especially among Gen Z. While this behavior might seem more normalized in the West, where people often feel the need to broadcast everything—whether it’s approaching someone, making money, or showing off their wealth and possessions—boasting is still not a positive trait. One of my favorite quotes is from Bruce Lee: ‘Showing off is a foolish way of glory.’ It’s a quote I’ve mentioned many times because of how important and insightful it is in emphasizing that showing off is not a good quality.
This trend of showing off is something newer generations, particularly Gen Z and younger adults, seem to feel compelled to do, as it’s often celebrated. The mindset is that if you tell someone not to boast, you might be seen as jealous. But that’s not the reality. Whether vocalized or not, boasting is widely seen as unattractive and often attracts the wrong kind of attention, which most people don’t want.
Some things in life are meant to be kept private; not everything has to be loudly broadcast. When you start showing off, you devalue and discredit yourself. For example, imagine a guy who takes a microphone, approaches girls, records the interactions, and then posts them on social media. Even if his family doesn’t mind, it still reflects poorly on his culture and nation. This kind of behavior is mostly seen in the West, as many other parts of the world understand the importance of discretion, especially in relationships.
Approaching someone or pursuing romantic interests should be done without the spotlight. Yet, this need for attention has become far too normalized. When I write or speak on this topic, it’s not always well-received, but the goal is to live a likable, strong, and fulfilling life without causing unnecessary noise on the journey.
Boasting has several negative consequences: it raises people’s expectations, devalues you, and can create complications in relationships. For instance, if one of those girls you filmed becomes your wife, how would she feel about those videos? It would likely create tension. A private life is often a happy life.
If you’re interested in exploring this subject further, consider joining MJ’s upcoming events, where these topics will be discussed in detail.
We welcome your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below. For one-on-one coaching, feel free to contact Milad Emjay
