DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a family member who has done well for herself. She and her partner are in their early 50s and never had kids. They have a massive oceanfront home and travel extensively — and she mentions it in every conversation.

No matter what the topic is, there’s usually a mention of the price of her home, car and other belongings (including whatever she’s wearing), the cost of their latest trip and their salaries. Even just a text wishing her a happy birthday is met with a photo of her oceanfront view and talk of how blessed she is to have such a wonderful home, partner and career.

Another family member, who is financially comfortable but not wealthy, has gently teased her about this bragging, and she just says she’s proud of all she’s achieved.

I’ve had some recent career and financial setbacks, and it’s to the point where I dread talking to her. Is there a polite way to get her to stop talking about how much money she has?

GENTLE READER: Memorize this phrase and repeat it after every brag: “How nice FOR you.” For some reason, Miss Manners finds the emphasis on “for” to be effective, along with the repetition.

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