A modest person seldom fails to gain the goodwill of those he converses with, because nobody envies a man who does not appear to be pleased with himself.

Self-satisfaction is what people react against, not success. Somebody plainly pleased with themselves invites the room to take a view, and the view is rarely generous. Someone with the same accomplishments who does not seem to be admiring them gets no such resistance, because there is nothing there to push back on.

In your next few conversations, stop watching for the opening to place your best line. Ask more than you tell, let a compliment land with a simple thank you, and leave some of your good material unused. It costs nothing you will miss, and it makes people want you to do well.