When people act like they're better than you...

When people act like they're above you, should you respond in kind? Should you do to them what they're doing to you?

Absolutely not, as that would be stooping to their level.

Instead, the best way to respond to these haughty people is by being better today than the person you were yesterday.

In other words, rather than pretending to be better than others, demonstrate to these very people that you are continually outdoing yourself. That's sure to get them even more riled up.

The way I see it, if someone is going around boasting of their toys or accomplishments -- to the point they're deliberately trying to throw it in your face -- it communicates one thing: You pose a threat to them. You give them competition, and they're out to best you. Perhaps there's even something you possess or have achieved that they're envious of.

But don't give in. That's what they want -- an all-out competition to prove they're smarter or more accomplished than you.

But you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself. If you're comfortable in your own skin, you feel no need to show off. You're not about gloating to others you're better; you're about bettering yourself and letting your hard work, skills, and accolades do the talking for you.

There's a lot to be said for humility, but unfortunately, it's one quality that many people seem to lack. They're all about the glory.

Little do they realize that all the praise in the world could still leave you feeling empty at the end of the day if deep down you aren't happy with yourself. I've said it before and I'll say it again: happiness comes from within you. The only adulation and validation that should matter is your own, not that of fickle people who can turn on you without warning.

No one is better than anyone else, and people who look down on others need to swallow their pride. Rather than compare yourself to others, you should be comparing yourself to the person you were yesterday so that the person you become tomorrow is a better version of you.

Remember, people come and go, but you're always going to have yourself. Indeed, that's the person you ought to aim to impress by continually challenging yourself to reach new heights.