When I was younger, I was the one-upper, so here’s what hurt me: don’t give them the satisfaction of verbal/expressive-validation; apathy on the face of an audience cuts deep. Better yet, if they start their one-up story, don’t let them finish it — show them you are so uninterested in their antics that you’re distracted by something minute happening elsewhere.

Most importantly, if you are close to someone who is a one-upper, just tell them. Their future friendships and and relationships will thank you.