Self-flattery

Self-flattery is the act or practice of praising or complimenting oneself, often excessively or insincerely. It involves an inflated sense of one's own importance, abilities, or attractiveness, leading to exaggerated self-admiration and a tendency to seek validation from others. It can manifest as boastfulness, a selective focus on one's positive qualities, and a reluctance to acknowledge flaws or shortcomings. The motivation behind Self-flattery can range from a genuine desire to boost self-esteem to a strategic attempt to impress or manipulate others. While a healthy degree of self-appreciation is essential for well-being, Self-flattery crosses the line into narcissism or delusion when it becomes a pervasive and unrealistic assessment of the self.

Self-flattery meaning with examples

• John's social media was filled with self-flattery. Every post showcased his achievements and praised his talents, often exaggerating minor accomplishments. This constant self-promotion, filled with carefully curated photos and flattering descriptions, started to alienate his friends who found it tiresome and insincere. He seemed more interested in creating a perfect online persona than cultivating genuine relationships, always seeking external validation.
• After winning the local competition, Susan's Self-flattery knew no bounds. She constantly reminded everyone of her victory, embellishing details and attributing her success solely to her inherent brilliance. This continuous self-praise overshadowed the efforts of her teammates and created a sense of resentment, ultimately diminishing the collaborative spirit that had brought them success initially.
• Despite receiving constructive criticism on his project, Mark resorted to Self-flattery, dismissing the feedback and claiming that his innovative approach was simply too advanced for others to understand. He refused to make changes, insisting on the superiority of his initial design, demonstrating an unwillingness to learn from others and improve his work. This attitude hindered his progress and damaged his professional reputation.
• During a job interview, Emily skillfully used Self-flattery, highlighting her strengths and portraying herself as the perfect candidate. However, her responses lacked authenticity, focusing on exaggerated achievements rather than genuine contributions. Though she made an impression, the interviewers sensed a lack of substance, suggesting that the company needed more than her inflated self-image.