Hello everyone, I am very conscious that I haven’t shared for a long while, there are many reasons behind this, I ready to share those reasons at the moment. Writing has been difficult, so this has taken some time to compose. I have found myself to be on the receiving end of bragging recently, and it is something that I wanted to share my point of view on.

The idea of sharing news, both positive and negative, has become a significant part of how we communicate and connect with others. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and face-to-face conversations have all become spaces where we share the highs and lows of our lives. While sharing positive news is a natural and even uplifting act, there’s a fine line between expressing genuine happiness and crossing into the territory of bragging. Understanding where that line lies—and recognising the impact it can have on both the sharer and the receiver—can foster better relationships and enhance emotional wellbeing.

At its core, sharing good news can be a source of joy, connection, and inspiration. When we celebrate personal achievements or milestones, we invite others to share in our happiness, reinforcing social bonds. Positive news—whether it’s landing a new job, getting engaged, or achieving a personal goal—can bring about feelings of pride and satisfaction, not just for the person sharing it but for the people around them as well. By expressing joy in the form of good news, we may even motivate others to strive for their own success.

For instance, sharing news about a new job can inspire others in similar situations. If you’re a young professional starting your career, telling friends and family about landing a role that excites you might be a beacon of hope for someone who’s been struggling with the job hunt. It reassures others that good things are achievable, that perseverance can pay off, and that life has its share of rewards for those who work hard.

Beyond inspiration, there is also the sheer joy of connection. In our busy lives, many of us are craving genuine human connections, and when someone shares a piece of positive news, it fosters an opportunity for mutual happiness. Compliments, congratulations, and shared excitement over good news strengthen the emotional bonds we have with others.

But here’s where the fine line between sharing and bragging comes into play. While sharing positive news can be heartwarming, it’s essential to distinguish this from bragging. Bragging is defined by an inflated sense of self-importance, where the speaker is more focused on showing off than on sharing their joy in an authentic way. This subtle shift can happen when the tone of the message changes from celebratory to self-congratulatory. When we cross this line, it can shift the experience from one of positivity to discomfort for the listener.

Consider, for example, the scenario of sharing news about a new job. In a healthy exchange, the person who is sharing the news might simply express excitement about the role, the responsibilities, and what they are looking forward to. This creates a space for others to congratulate them and feel happy for their success.

However, if the conversation shifts to discussing the salary, benefits, or perks in a boastful or excessively detailed way, it can create discomfort, especially for those who may not be in a similar position. If someone is struggling financially or is in a job that they dislike, hearing about a colleague’s high-paying role can unintentionally make them feel inadequate or frustrated. While the person sharing their news may not intend harm, the perception of bragging can leave others feeling less-than, and the moment of joy becomes clouded by comparison and resentment.

One of the most important skills in maintaining that balance between sharing and bragging is understanding your audience. Not everyone reacts to good news the same way, and being mindful of the emotional context of others can go a long way in maintaining harmonious relationships.

Take the example of a friend who has been job-hunting for months and is currently facing rejection after rejection. If you’ve just secured a new job, it might be a great opportunity to share your happiness, but the way you deliver the news matters. Instead of going into details about your salary or how great the benefits are, you could focus on the process, like how you persevered through the challenges, the lessons you learned during your job search, or how excited you are about the opportunity to grow. This way, you offer encouragement without overshadowing their struggles with your own success.

Alternatively, if you know your friend is experiencing hardship or disappointment, it might be wise to hold off on the more specific details of your news until a more appropriate moment. You can still share your excitement but focus on the emotional aspects of your achievement—such as your own personal growth and happiness—without putting the financial aspects front and centre. This can allow the other person to be part of your joy without feeling left out or inferior.

The concept of empathy plays a big role here. Empathetic communication means recognising that others’ emotions may be different from your own and adjusting how you communicate to be considerate of their circumstances. Sometimes it’s not what you say but how you say it that makes the difference between a positive and negative exchange.

Self-awareness is another key factor when it comes to knowing when you might be crossing the line from sharing to bragging. Reflecting on your own intentions when you share positive news can provide clarity. Are you genuinely seeking connection, or are you eager to get approval or validation? If the latter is the case, then it’s likely you’re veering into bragging territory.

The act of sharing good news should stem from a place of authenticity. If your happiness and excitement are rooted in personal fulfilment and a desire to share your journey with others, the chances are that it will be received positively. On the other hand, if your motivation is to seek admiration or to elevate your own status, the energy of the conversation shifts, and others may pick up on that.

One way to gauge whether you’re bragging or sharing in a healthy way is to ask yourself: “Would I be comfortable hearing this news from someone else?” If the thought of someone sharing their success in a similar way makes you feel inadequate or uncomfortable, it may be a signal that the way you’re delivering your own news could have that effect on others as well. Sometimes, self-awareness can be the best tool for avoiding the pitfalls of bragging.

When we shift our focus from seeking validation to celebrating milestones in a supportive and constructive way, it fosters an environment where positive news can be celebrated by everyone. Rather than worrying about bragging, we can take pride in our achievements and share them with those who are happy to see us succeed. Building a network of people who genuinely support one another—who can share in the highs and be there during the lows—helps make the act of sharing positive news more meaningful.

In a supportive environment, sharing positive news becomes a collective experience. Everyone in your circle can enjoy one another’s victories, no matter how big or small, without fear of judgment or comparison. It becomes about celebrating each other’s journeys, not competing for the spotlight.

Sharing positive news is an essential part of human connection. It allows us to celebrate life’s victories, inspire those around us, and build stronger relationships. However, it’s important to strike a balance between expressing joy and potentially alienating others through bragging. Understanding your audience, being mindful of their emotional context, and exercising self-awareness are crucial for ensuring that your positive news is received with the same joy and positivity with which it was shared.

Remember, it’s not about the news itself but how you share it. By focusing on genuine connection, empathy, and emotional intelligence, we can find that sweet spot between celebrating our successes and supporting those around us. In doing so, we contribute to a community where good news is shared freely, and everyone is uplifted, not burdened, by it. It’s ok not to be ok!