Why does she always make such a big thing about looks?

[Studentgoingbatty]

Went out for drinks with girl I live with and her mum. However during many anecdotes (they are both very chatty) she mentioned her looks/men who had been into her/etc etc. She's a lovely girl and she is attractive but just don't know why she felt the need, and seems to have a point to prove?! Any insight?!

Sorry, feel like I havent explained very well well. But many stories told tonight I have heard from her two or three times and it gets a bit old - all about how men like her but cloaked in other stories. Her mum supports her and agrees, i just have to sit there nodding and smiling...

I have a friend like that. She has always been attractive, and she really hangs her identity on that, IYSWIM.

Her mum encourages it too. I remember her mum coming over one day when friend was dressed up in a tight little work skirt, and immediately saying 'Ooh, the boys at work are going to love you in that!'

I find it a bit odd for a mother to encourage you to focus solely on 'pretty', at the age of 35. I actually feel sorry for her, as that's not how I was brought up to think at all.

Overconfident on the surface and deeply insecure underneath? Have any alarm bells started ringing for you yet?

Very overconfident and a bit gobby; likes it to be "the Jane show" (not her real name) a lot of the time.

Possibilities:

1. Her looks are all she has, so she dines out on them to avoid people spotting she's shirt on personality.

2. She was plain when younger and can't quite believe her luck now she has 'blossomed', and needs it all to seem real.

But why go on about it?! People can see she's attractive, nice but normal - why the need to keep affirming it?

I just listened for hours and now realise I know minutiae of her life when she doesn't know key things about mine...

Maybe she thinks she's better looking than she is and is arrogant in a misplaced way?

Maybe she thinks she "has one over on you" by being (in her opinion) more attractive and she is one of those people who likes to be top dog so likes to try and make you feel inferior?

She doesn't sound insecure to me. More incredibly shallow and competitive.

I feel like I know (well I do know) about every man she has slept with/every guy who has hit on her. She doesn't have a club about my love life in that sense and I wouldn't consider any of that stuff interesting enough to share anyway - just don't see the need! What's the point in mentioning every boy who has ever liked you/found you attractive?

*have a clue

Do you think she does it because she perceives herself to be incredibly attractive (more so than those around her) or because she is intimidated by other girls and has a point to prove?!

I also know her salary I'm on more but don't feel the need to mention it WHYY

Some people are just like this. It's very wearing. And you have to live with her. I don't know why people do it. I used to know two blokes who were always telling me they were the most intelligent person they knew. Obviously including me! Notice how I used to know them? I can never fathom why people do this as they seem unaware they dont operate on the social norms of most people.

*within the social norms

Thing is i have heard the anecdotes several times now! I know them!!

But she is well-educated, ambitious and intellectual (which she also reminds us about) - I work in a good job though too and have a v similar academic record - I don't get it!

I had a friend like this. Her mum did and still does think she's the dogs bollocks! After a failed marriage and a failed stint on "take me out" she's settled for a guy I know she would never had anything to do with pre fatness!! Lol

Wondering why it's her mentioning her looks that seems to irritate you in particular?

Rather than her reminding you about her academic / occupational success which you say she also does. Just a thought.

Because the looks thing crops up time and time again, more so than the rest.

Do you think she does it because she perceives herself to be incredibly attractive (more so than those around her)

This is why my friend does it.

She openly describes herself as 'really attractive'. Which makes me cringe.

Other than that major streak of vanity, she is a really lovely person.

You don't seem to like her much. I have noticed that some people who are talkers do end up repeating themselves alot. And sometimes it comes out fairly unfiltered. Maybe she is at that stage of looks/men being on her mind alot. I went through that myself and do cringe about some of the shite I came out with. Is it time to move on socially?

She sounds fairly narcissistic and insecure but seems obvious why from what you say about the mother. Whatever the reason this would wear thin fairly quick I agree. Why do you live (and socialise) with someone you dislike so much anyway?