How do you tell a close friend that their personality can be off-putting/embarrassing in public?

Loveleigh
I have a friend I've become really close to in the last few months that I've recently begun to exclude within my other friend groups/social settings because her personality rubs people the wrong way and I find myself constantly defending her to people and it's tough in our industry that requires networking.

On the surface, she comes off as obnoxious and opportunistic but I've gotten to know her more and can see she's genuinely a good person, just very insecure and has a lot of healing to do so she feels the need to one-up people. I get it; we're all working on ourselves.

She'll make these posts about how she won't adjust who she is for any one blah blah. However, I think she's noticed that I've had to uninvite her to events and may be upset as she's been distant. I don't believe in telling people they need to change but also I have to protect the relationships I've built. Any advice on the best way to address her?
How do you tell a close friend that their personality can be off-putting/embarrassing in public?
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