Some people are like a bottle of water that’s not filled up. It makes a lot of noise when others pick it up, but when opened, it’s only half full.

People with real skills are more low-key, like a full bottle of water, internally fulfilled, so they don’t need to show off how great they are.

However, some people are like half a bottle of water, feeling very empty inside because they lack something, and they try to satisfy their vanity by showing off.

When young, showing off can be seen as youthful ignorance. But if someone in middle age still feels the need to show off certain things, it indicates immaturity and often a lack of real skills.

Skilled people understand that while they can be assertive in their actions, they must remain modest in character.

Time flies, life is fleeting. If you don’t have something, there’s no need to show off. Even if you have it, there’s no need to flaunt it.

Showing off about parents

When I was in junior high, there was a classmate who often showed off about their parents.

I went home and told my mom that this classmate said their mom’s paintings could sell for a lot of money.

But my mom told me: “It’s not a good habit. You can show off about your parents when you’re young, but if you keep doing it as you grow up, people will look down on you.”

No matter how amazing your parents are, when you reach middle age, there’s no need to show off about them.

People who truly have skills don’t boast about how great their parents are; they let others see their real abilities.

Showing off about money

The wealthier someone is, the less they feel the need to show it off.

In our village, there’s a very wealthy family who own a villa in addition to their rural home.

Despite their wealth, they are very low-key. Even when asked about their work or salary, they downplay it, saying they earn very little.

On the other hand, there’s a family in our village that doesn’t have much money but brags about being rich.

Sometimes, people who lack money show off to gain respect, hoping others will think highly of them.

But it’s unnecessary. Instead of just talking, one must work hard to earn money. Merely boasting without action indicates a lack of real skills.

Showing off about the past

As the saying goes, “A hero doesn’t mention his past glories.”

A smart middle-aged person doesn’t dwell on their past achievements.

Some people in middle age like to talk about how wonderful their youth was, revealing how tough their current life is.

The past is the past. Whether it was good or bad, it’s gone. Live in the present.

Truly skilled people make their present better than the past, instead of highlighting their past achievements when the present isn’t as good.

Those who struggled in their youth but now lead a fulfilling life in middle age are the ones truly worthy of admiration.

People who boast about their past are often not very successful. Having pride in one’s past instead of showcasing present skills is not commendable.

Middle age is a time for maturity, both in thoughts and actions. Some things just shouldn’t be flaunted.