to ask (if i may) how you cope with overly competitive people?

[ithoughtofitfirst]

I've never really had this problem before... or possibly just been oblivious to it when it has happened. Basically a family member doing constant one-upmanship with me. Maybe i'm imagining it? But i don't think i am... it's driving me nuts. Not because i want to be better just because it's really getting on my tits. I feel like i can't do anything without hearing a week later that they've done the same thing but better/bigger/more expensive/faster (daft punk anyone?) ... you get the idea.

Does anyone else have this? What do you do to not give a shit?!

Some of the suggestions are really making me laugh and ultimately that's probably the best way to deal with people who behave in this way. If you can't do this then another suggestion for tackling it would be by starting a conversation with a repeat offender about a (fictitious) other acquaintance of yours who is so competitive and what a cringey way this is to behave and how you feel quite sorry for this person because this must surely be driven by deep insecurity.

But don't you just get really irritated though?! Like dammit go away i LIKE CAMPING!

I just hate the thought of them rubbing their hands together like ooooh i've outdone them again. Mwahaha.

"I can't do anything without hearing a week later that they've done the same thing but better/bigger/more expensive/faster (daft punk anyone?) ... you get the idea."

Oh I had this but mine was sooo much worse.

See if you can get them to do a sky dive

Love this - tell them you're doing it without a parachute:)

Whoever suggested the naked marathon...brilliant!! Although they'd struggle to top that so maybe to make it easy for them, a half-marathon, naked from the waist up ;)

And seriously if you make a cake because someone you know has made one and you want to better them (unless it's a mutual fun competition) you have a very sad and empty life. Just remember that op as you get on with what's important to you

I had this happen to me in reverse. Went to pick the kids up from school in the new car. Got screeched at told by competitive mum that I was showing off in my new motor. Um, I wasn't, it's pissing down and we'd get wet if we walked but now the whole playground thinks I'm a showy cunt so thanks for that.

No. I don't get irritated, because secretly I know that my camping holiday was miles better than their boring resort holiday where they spent the whole time smelling other people's sun-cream and shouting at their kids to save their sunbeds.

And their big sponge cake was the cause of many arguments because the kids were not allowed to touch it in case it failed out outdo yours, and their child's book band is a result of torture rather than innate ability and their posh restaurant visit was ruined by their daughter screeching when her loom bands fell in the French Onion soup causing a frantic saving attempt that splattered everyone.

The whole playground will not think that, they'll think she is twat.

I read about someone on here who was like that, and the poster christened them Elevenerife. Because if you'd been to Tenerife...

LOL I'd respond with, "Very nice! They say that the biggest form of flattery is imitation, I'm honored you'd try to make my cake".

That just might just about do it. Every time she one ups you, pretend it's an ego boost for you.

Really, it should be if you think about it. She wants your life so bad, she's doing everything she can to imitate it.

I hope so ILovePud

I think the reply "you must be so proud" with a bright dazzling smile is the answer!