The thinking here is that when someone’s ego needs stroking it’s as if you were flattening down their raised hackles or smoothing their feathers.

这里的想法是，当某人需要培养自尊心，他们就会设想仿佛有人正在抚平他们的羽毛，平复他们的怒气。

youdao

The thinking here is that when someone's ego needs stroking it's as if you were flattening down their raised hackles or smoothing their feathers.

这里的想法是，当某人需要培养自尊心，他们就会设想仿佛有人正在抚平他们的羽毛，平复他们的怒气。

youdao

The emails start as they continue: With Weiss repeatedly dousing Weiner with ego-stroking flattery.

FORBES: Weiner Sexts: Less Sex, More Ego