Why can’t people just be nice, sheesh!
I don’t know your or your communication style in person, and don’t know the other woman. But if she hasn’t picked up by now that you don’t like this, I can’t recommend that you say anything “jokingly.” Because she may not get it again, which will likely leave you even angrier.
I’m not suggesting that you yell or talk crossly to her. Just that you keep it serious and sincere. Communication doesn’t just mean you talking, it means her understanding.
“Oh my! I don’t think that”s a compliment. “
I finally said “ I do love ( shopping, really nice hotels, super great restaurants, etc).
Shrug
Yes, my kids DO have a lot of toys?
No challenge.
But a a past friend for sure. I think just owning my stuff and not letting it be a weapon worked best for me.
I think you should say something simple and straightforward to her IN PRIVATE. Doing a public thing just makes everyone uncomfortable–which makes you the bad guy-- and puts her on the defensive, which makes it hard for her to respond constructively. You can just take her aside and say calmly and quietly, “X, you may be unaware of it, but you keep introducing me to people as someone who loves to shop. There’s a lot more to me than that, and frankly it feels like a dig, whether you mean it that way or not. So I’d appreciate it if you would stop doing so, and we can just leave this behind, okay?” And smile.