Where the story gets stuck is if you share her need for approval. Then you may resent her neediness or righteously refuse to give her approval because you believe it would lessen your own value.

Realize it doesn't diminish your worth to give your coworker approval. If you decide she is so annoying there is no way you will compliment her then you sign up for her drenching you in future boasts.

In life and work, there's always a long line of people who want to be right. If you join that line then you won't give your coworker the emotional biscuit she's frantically seeking. There is always a short line of people who chose, instead, to be effective.

If your peace of mind is more important that strict accuracy, give your coworker her emotional biscuit. Otherwise, plan on suffering through many more long annoying stories.

The last word(s)

Q. Why do the people I work with make me so mad?

A. Because you're human.