The Subtle Art of being Pretentious

 We might have come across multiple scenarios in life in which we might come across many people who always love to brag about themselves. They might crack silly jokes, or humiliate someone across the group for no reason even though they themselves are not very capable. Usually, pretentious people act smart so as to impress someone. Though this acting isn't real, in some cases, it might feel real to their target (whom they are trying to impress).

In social circles, being labeled as pretentious is often seen as a social faux pas. It’s a trait that many try to avoid, fearing the judgment and disdain of others. However, what if I told you that there's a way to harness the power of pretentiousness as a clever hack to navigate complex situations?

Yeah seriously, well many people might seem to consider this as a negative trait in some people but there is an art, an art in which only a fraction of people are experts. In this blog, we will try to look into the great uses of this negatively rated skill, which might help someone positively in life.

Firstly, let's clarify what it means to be pretentious. It's often associated with pretending to be more important, intelligent, or cultured than one actually is. While this behavior can be off-putting in excess, a subtle dose of pretentiousness can actually be a valuable tool. To simplify things, let us take an example of a well-known cartoon character who is often referred to onscreen as being too much pretentious. You might as well recognise the character by looking at the below image:

Recognize this guy. If you watch this show from Season 1 constantly, you might observe the meaning of being pretentious by observing this "good boy". However, in the above case, too much of this fake pretending can land you in a lot of trouble. Let us have a look at some of the cases where you can avoid many problems by encompassing the art of being pretentious.

The place where this pretending skill is mostly used in job interviews. Acting a little pretentious can sometimes be useful in certain situations. For instance, in a job interview or a meeting with important clients, speaking confidently and using professional language can help you make a good impression. It's about presenting yourself in the best possible light to achieve a specific goal. However, it's important to strike a balance and not overdo it, as being overly pretentious can be off-putting. Because anything over the limit might spoil the plan.

Imagine you are in a friend circle. To make things interesting, they are a different friend circle from yours. Sometimes, playing a dumb person here might make them think that this person is stupid enough so he/she won't get any idea about taking behind the backs of others and all, etc. Pretending to be more sophisticated than you are can sometimes be a way to protect yourself from criticism or judgment. For example, if you're feeling insecure in a social setting, acting more confident and knowledgeable can help you feel more comfortable and avoid negative attention. It's like putting on a mask to hide your true feelings and vulnerabilities.

But be aware of other pretentious people around. The only key here is not to lose your shield of pretentiousness. You should be good at identifying the other overly bragging guy and tearing down his/her shield of pretentiousness into pieces by giving them subtle one-liners (I must say one-line silencing sentences if they try and roast you).

It's important to use pretentiousness wisely and in moderation. While it can be a useful tool in certain situations, being overly pretentious can be off-putting to others. The key is to find a balance where you can use pretentiousness to your advantage without alienating those around you.

In conclusion, the subtle art of being pretentious can be a surprising hack for navigating complex situations. By harnessing its power in a thoughtful and strategic manner, you can enhance your confidence, protect yourself from criticism, and express different facets of your personality. So, the next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, don't be afraid to channel your inner pretentiousness—it might just be the key to your success.