Why do some people like to show off?

Question: Why do some people like to show off!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

some people feel insecure about themselves and attempt to make themselves feel better by acting out or attempting to impress others!. Some simply hope to be acceptted so they act out in ways they suspect others will react positvely too!.

And others are simply selfish and want all the attention on themself and feel the need to make others feel unimportant!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It is just a function of the ego!. Your question has a linguistic subtext that is a way of showing off!. It suggest that you are somehow different than everyone else who does show off!. And you are asking this question to show off!.

Why do you like to show off!? That is the answer to your question!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Some people feel insecure about themselves so they show off to gain attention that they maybe don't get at home or whatever!. Some people show off to make friends quick, other's show off to make people like them or to make other people feel worse about themselves!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

To get attention!. Watching TV and just about watching everything in life, people normally run attention deficits and crave it unconsciously!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I think it's an act!. Inside these people are insecure so they show off to seem more confidentWww@QuestionHome@Com

to gain attention
to feel wanted
to be aknowledgedWww@QuestionHome@Com

because we all want 3 things

1 to eat
2 to sleep
3 to get laidWww@QuestionHome@Com

Either because they want attention, or they just have a good sense of humor and want to entertain those around them!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

that's how we got mates in primitive societyWww@QuestionHome@Com

Because they either have low self esteem or a need attention!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

They are begging for attention!.
And something more!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It is the egoistic natures of some people!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

wow

cool question
interesting answers

my opinion, for all it is worth

there are multiple reasons why people show off
some enjoy the attention because they have
"a need" really to be "liked" and appreciated
they have no identity, or maybe self-esteem
until others say "wow, you are great!. you are clever"
the applause, laughter makes them feel they are worth
something and without it; sadly they are empty, and feel
they are nothing

some do not like to "show off"
they feel pressured to
the class clown rule
"I think you are going to laugh at me,
so instead of waiting for you to I am going to make
you laugh with me"
---> notice that the class clown is showing off out of
a thought that the class is going to laugh AT, they want
to change it so the class is laughing when, how and WITH
them!. another lowered esteem but not really the same

some show off cause they have made themselves believe
that in order to be the image they want to be, even pretend to
be; totally loved by millions of adoring fans!.
narcissistic
it is so similar to the lowered esteem, except that the person/people really have such a swelled head <ok that is my opinionated word choice> they "love" their own voice, themselves so much it is overkill and feel everyone around them needs to love them just as much

some of these answers say 'get laid' and 'primitive way to gain mate' I do not agree with that;

there is a difference in what you ask:

why "some" people 'show off', who like to or who just 'need to show off' they do so for anyone and everyone!.
'showing off' for purposes tied to selecting/securing a 'mate' is to stand out for one, not all!. so it is not always, not random and not out of control!.

even for 'to get laid' where the person does not have any intention/desire to be there the next day!? that person is 'selecting/selective' and not, in my opinion, out there just showing off daily for all!.

the one who mentions watching tv; has a good point!.
society rewards those who try to be outrageous, odd, strange, taboo, and the "best"
which is really feeding the masses and driving more and more possibly to 'try' to be more of a show off!.
that one sounds more like the way 'middle' children at times develop that "invisible child" syndrome!. that so much attention is put to another person and they want 'mommy and daddy' to "love" them most/as much and feel so out of the loop, they do more and more outrageous things to be sure the attention is drawn back

the one guy who put down eat and sleep as reasons; hmmm, I am still trying to figure that out!. I do not understand his reasoning as to why some people would like to show off to eat or sleep;
I can't say I disagree cause of that!.!. hmm

summing it up;
lowered self esteem plays a big part in more than one form
a compelling need to feel they have self worth, are loved
a desire to not be laughed at, so turn it into something
they can/do control the timing of
also very self engrossed, narcissistic, over inflated ego
where the person feels that the rest of the world does/should
love him/her as much as they love themselves
the ever expanding 'one of the crowd' in a society that
rewards those who act/behave in a manner that
shocks, is taboo, or competing to be the best in any
number of other areas/categories

have a good day
thanks for asking such an interesting and
important question!
hope this helped shed some lightWww@QuestionHome@Com