Friends one up manship

[thefruitwhisperer]

I love my friend but her one up manship is quite something. Weight, wages, cars, possesions, interests etc she always has to be the best. I dont mind it usually unless we spend a lot of time together.

But tonight I completed some online questionnaire about books we had read that are in the BBC top 100. Id done a far amount, maybe 30. I know she doesnt read anything except chick lit and Twilight and yet shes immediatly done the quiz to show shes read 57. These are books like Wuthering Heights, The Kite Runner, Atonement etc. I know for a fact she hasnt read these as when I shared a flat with her Id try to talk about books I liked

(The kite runner in particular she hasnt read, as after reading it I was in tears and she said why did I read such things, I should stick to Marian Keyes)

Im going to call her on it, or is that petty. Its not just the book list, its the constant competitiveness. Why cant we all just like what we like and be happy! Does anyone else have friends like this? How do you handle their competitive streak without bursting! I just find it sad she cant be happy with her own acheivements without having to lie to inflate them.

Sounds like she is pretty insecure. I wouldn't call her on the books. All you would achieve is to humiliate her and make her feel stupid and defensive.

If thats how she is let her to it. But me being me i'd be tempted to put a comment about the kite runner and say "did you like the bit where..." and make something up :o i'm a bitch though :p

No, let her be, is v sad to be like that, don't engage in the competitiveness. Have seen that book quiz and is really annoying, am a big reader but why should there be a list of books that we ought to read, or compete over? Defies the point of reading!

I feel like doing that. Because shes like it about everything. Shes always saying to everyone she doesnt like reading but because me and another joint friend have done this stupid quiz thing she obviously felt she had to 'win'. Its really not a competition.

Naaah don't call her on it. Just roll your eyes, smile and nod and move past it.

Or make up something and say "did you enjoy the bit with the kangaroo in the donut factory?" or somesuch...

Don't call her on it. Who knows, maybe she envies you so much she goes to great lengths to try and match you. However now you have some evidence you can discount (to yourself) many of her other claims with more certainty.

I really want to slip in something like, Wow! You read the Kite Runner after you told me it was dreary crap!