Tayyaba Jabeen
A “Karen” is basically a person often characterized by a sense of superiority, entitlement, and a tendency to complain or make unreasonable demands during social interactions with other people. This behavior is recognized by all as inappropriate and just generally not an okay thing to do. It can ignore the perspectives and feelings of others and it get’s embarrassing for other people.
Today’s OP shared their story in the AITA community about their mother’s standard “Karen” attitude and went on to ask Reddit users guidance on how to confront her about it it. The OP, who is 22 years old, currently lives with their parents. Their mother clearly demonstrates highly narcissistic and arrogant behaviors even when she’s out shopping. During a recent visit to Costco together to do some shopping, OP was mortified by their mother’s actions – consisting of constant complaints, nitpicking with staff members, and even shouting at an employee who had kept her waiting in line for only two minutes. Keep on reading for the full story:
Source: u/[deleted]
#1) Would OP be in the wrong if they confronted their mother and told her they don’t want to be seen with her?
#2) OP lives with their parents and has a Karen for a mother. OP went to Costco with her and was embarrassed by her horrible behavior.
#3) OP’s mother threw a tantrum on the wait time and threatened the employees.
#4) OP was so embarrassed that they apologized to the staff and has been refusing going to Costco with their mother ever since.
#5) OP’s mother keeps asking them why they keep refusing to go with her and OP wants to know if they’d be the a**hole if they told her.
#6) OP gives us more information, telling us that their father enables this behavior under the guise of keeping the peace.
#7) OP mentions that this story also might fit in r/raisedbynarcissists.
#8) More information provided by OP states that their mother is likely mentally ill and the last time she was confronted, things went horribly.
#9) OP mentions that she wouldn’t care if OP showed her a video of someone else doing this behavior, but will be having a talk with her mom. OP is also working on moving out.
#10) OP thanks everyone, promises an update and also mentions that they are a U.S resident and won’t be using the word “Karen” in the confrontation.
Source: u/[deleted]
Our OP found themselves in an embarrassing situation due to the “Karen” attitude their mother was exhibiting in Costco and not even seeing anything wrong with it. Handling the family dynamics was complex due to all the emotions involved, and it made it difficult to manage when they kept in mind how the previous attempts to communicate had gone. While OP was not in the wrong here, some people believed that a gentle approach was necessary to enlighten the mother on the error of her ways while others believed that it won’t do anything. Their attempt to indirectly discourage the poor behavior proved fruitless so it may be time to try open communication with a tactful and empathetic approach. Here’s what Reddit users are saying about the situation:
#11) Customer service workers are human too.
#12) That’s a pretty good idea, NGL.
Via blancaloma
#13) As OP mentioned, it might not faze their mother but it’s worth a shot.
Via Grankykang
#14) Communication is very important.
Via soccerlover98
#15) People like OP’s mom are usually always menaces to society.
Via cptspeirs
#16) Keeping the peace isn’t an okay response to this kind of behavior.
Via NotHisRealName
#17) A good way to start that conversation.
Via amitathrows
#18) Absolutely true, OP’s father is also at fault to some degree.
Via WinnieTheSh*t
#19) Maybe she needs to hear it.
Via Hereswitha
#20) Being logical about it might help but if OP faces an emotional outburst, all of it would be lost.
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