Perhaps the message should be that for many people those things do matter, many people just don't talk about them, they pretend they don't matter.

Do you know what drives me INSANE. Super wealthy people who pretend not to be wealthy. Recently a woman told me she didn't know if they could afford to move to NYC. Well, I am pretty sure they can especially if they can afford to live where they live now!)

Anonymous wrote:I work in a very small office and only go out with coworkers twice a year. It's not a requirement.

+1000

Anonymous wrote:OP. you may be reflecting you insecurity on her. You say you grew up in Potomac, which indicates at least middle class, but you are working as a secretary, not a particularly prestigious job. Maybe your snobbery at being forced to be on the same professional plain as this woman is the real issue

That's what I'm thinking as well. It almost sounds like you want to cut her down so she's at the same level or below you. One of you comes across as someone I wouldn't want to hang out with, and it's not your coworker.

OP. you may be reflecting you insecurity on her. You say you grew up in Potomac, which indicates at least middle class, but you are working as a secretary, not a particularly prestigious job. Maybe your snobbery at being forced to be on the same professional plain as this woman is the real issue

You sound like you are 12. Distance yourself from her and move on. Try walking or reading at lunch.

So, we have someone who has disposable money for the first time, and is excited. She is from North of Buffalo, which according to Google Maps, places her in from either lockport or love canal.

In those areas, 100K is a boat load of money. I went to grad school in upstate NY, and I had no concept of the cost of living when I moved down here.

You, on the other hand, are from Potomac. Being from Potomac, why are you working in a crappy office job?

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I'm not envious of her "happiness" at all. I don't think she's truly happy. She's very insecure.

I feel like she's trying to prove herself to me... to impress me with her car and shopping talk. What I want to do is convince her that those things don't matter. In fact, those comments drive people away. Esp since I know it's all for show.

FWIW, I am from a totally different background. Grew up in Potomac.

OP. You need a mirror.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I'm not envious of her "happiness" at all. I don't think she's truly happy. She's very insecure.

I feel like she's trying to prove herself to me... to impress me with her car and shopping talk. What I want to do is convince her that those things don't matter. In fact, those comments drive people away. Esp since I know it's all for show.

FWIW, I am from a totally different background. Grew up in Potomac.

I was just going to "say" all of this. I work with someone like this too. She is from a small town in either North or South CArolina. She is also a secretary. I know how much she makes, and she constantly talks about how she doesn't have to work, her H makes so much money...blah blah blah. I just feel bad for her because she is trying so hard to keep up with everyone. It has to be tough living in the area, and not making a lot of money. Everywhere you go, you see women wearing designer labels, driving expensive cars, shopping, eating at nice restaurants. It is really hard to keep up. I think she just wants to fit in so badly, but does not know how. She also sounds very young.

I would either ignore it, or eat someplace else. Please do not let something as silly as this bother you so much.

Anonymous wrote:Wealthy people would never flaunt their cloths. Their, clothes, maybe. But probably not.

RUN! It's the spelling security guard!!!!

Wealthy people would never flaunt their cloths. Their, clothes, maybe. But probably not.

If you consider having nice cars, cloths, homes, etc. flaunting. Then very few people who have wealth don't flaunt it.

^^ good advice on what to say. Maybe next time point out a random stranger on the street who looks flashy and is flaunting money and casually comment what PP said. She will agree and take the hint.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - I'm not envious of her "happiness" at all. I don't think she's truly happy. She's very insecure.

I feel like she's trying to prove herself to me... to impress me with her car and shopping talk. What I want to do is convince her that those things don't matter. In fact, those comments drive people away. Esp since I know it's all for show.

FWIW, I am from a totally different background. Grew up in Potomac.

Just act unimpressed. Make it seem like it is just another day in the life when she discusses her "wealth".
She will stop.


Or

say "People who have wealth, don't flaunt it. It is obvious without you saying anything"

She will interpret it how she pleases.

OP here - I'm not envious of her "happiness" at all. I don't think she's truly happy. She's very insecure.

I feel like she's trying to prove herself to me... to impress me with her car and shopping talk. What I want to do is convince her that those things don't matter. In fact, those comments drive people away. Esp since I know it's all for show.

FWIW, I am from a totally different background. Grew up in Potomac.

You're jealous of her happiness and want us to ok you bursting her bubble.