I've come to realize that I look for validation from my peers and my plates way too often. They ask me about my life/interests/hobbies and I go on tangents about how I'm doing cool stuff, interacting with girls, and enjoying success, all in attempts to seek validation. I realize now that this comes off as try-hard and insecure, and is definitely hurting my game. I need to stop this immediately.

I've listened to the 48 Laws of Power audiobook a few times and I wanted some clarification on Law 4 and 6, "always say less than necessary" and "create an air of mystery", respectively.

For those of you who are implementing these laws, how do you do it without becoming that sketchy guy who is constantly withholding information or always trying to change the topic when confronted on an issue? I know a guy like this and I do not trust him with anything and he just sketches me out. I feel like it is necessary to reveal a certain amount of your life to plates and friends in order to form a bond of any sort, especially trust. Where do you draw the line? What do you do if they keep pressing you about what you did last night and won't take a vague answer?

While I'm here, what is the proper way to accept a compliment from a peer or plate? Do you just accept it and smile, accept it but downplay it, or do you give them a compliment in return?