Pretensious

[Gingerbaker]

Is being pretentious a coping mechanism just to get through life?

I think it is. If you big yourself up and some one believes it, it releases endorphins and gives you a temporary lift which is good for the soul and mental wellbeing.

[LadyCG]

Well this could open a whole can of worms...

[kuiperbelt]

Do you mean like an alter ego. Walter Mitty type character?

[Arksided]

Whatever makes you happy, I prefer being ones true self.

[LadyCG]

So do most people, Arky x

[Arksided]

Scary isn't it!

[Canary42]

An interesting theory GB which has a feeling of credibility about it.

It does not however encourage me to any pretentiousness than I may accidentally display at any time.

[LadyCG]

It's both unnerving and perplexing I'd say.

[Canary42]

* any other pretentiousness

[sunny-dave]

Pretentious - Moi?

[-SharonA-]

A few guilty ones on here.
'characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved'

[LadyCG]

Or just pretending you're someone you're not - literally!

[andy-hughes]

People cope with insecurities in a variety of ways.

An entire multi-billion-pound drug-based industry is rooted in the need for people to find a relaxant to assist them in feeling less awkward in social situations - it's called alcohol.

Other people consciously or subconsciously. exaggerate themselves or their achievements in order to build a bigger impression on people than they feel they would achieve simply by being themselves.

So I would be inclined to agree that it is based on a coping mechanism - feeling relaxed and good about yourself is something we all enjoy - some people simply need it more than others, and compensate accordingly.

[LadyCG]

I wondered how long it would take...

[Togo]

Some are able to turn pretentious into supercilious in a few introspective lines.

[LadyCG]

Isn't it just...

[Arksided]

Indeed.

[LadyCG]

Oh dear, she didn't last long this time.

Wotcher Togo.

[Tilly2]

Could someone please correct the tile of this thread. It's irritating me enormously. Is that being pretentious?