In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to handling friends who only talk about themselves.

You’re standing in line at the supermarket or drugstore when a stranger speaks up. “Hello, how are you?” the stranger greets you. “Good, and you?” might be your response. Your conversation partner ...

I would also point out that this type of status-seeking narration is seen by foreigners as very American, meaning, shallow ...