Lily
Sometimes it has nothing to do with economic status and everything to do with our own insecurities and people who sense that and get a bit of pleasure from exposing it. My dear husband and I come from a very similar economic background.....except I grew up in the suburbs and he grew up on a cattle ranch. He has a sister who will go for the throat all the while laughing. It took me a while but I finally figured out how to best cope with her.
Just be who you are.....technically......you aren't in a relationship with them. And I have no doubt that you'll figure out how best to deal with them over time.
gentle hugs
ke