How should I handle it, if friend seems to show off their materialistic achievements, like buying the latest phone, a house, a car, and affording branded clothes and shoes, while taking great pride in emphasizing that their hard work is finally paying off because they can now afford these things. Whenever I talk to them, I feel a sense of competition🤨, as if I need to earn more and more, and it seems like they take satisfaction in knowing that I earn less than them.

You should simply laugh it off. It is the sign that they have not outgrown the child stage where one displays one’s toys. It also implies that there is actually something missing in them which they are trying to hide and compensate with the camouflage of outer things. So you can smile and tell yourself inwardly that these friends need to grow up. You can pray that may they realise that there is so much more than these perishable things that give transient happiness. Remember each one has one’s own lane unique to oneself. It is your path that you must take. Let others walk their own way, you discover your own and walk upon it with courage and confidence in Her Grace. 

In simple words find your own aim. That is the sure remedy of these competitive feelings.

Affectionately,

Alok Da