Coping and Surviving a “Karen”.
“Karen”, “Karen”, “Karen”… What are we to do with you??!! I’ll be speaking from a retail/server perspective here. Now my first thoughts on that answer are not pleasant ones for “Karen”, so I will try and refrain myself. I think the best one would be to pull “Karen” over the counter and switch places with her and watch her squirm as people bomb her with venomous rants on the same topics SHE was ranting about. That sounds fun doesn’t it?? Hopefully she would quickly get it, that not everything is about her in life and the sales person does not have the power over store policy.
For Example
Sales people do not set return policies! There is no purpose yelling at a sales person about a return you want to do if you have already worn an item! Sorry..I’m ranting again, back to how to deal with “Karen”…other than dragging her out to the end of a pier and setting her out to sea.
Levels Of “Karens”
Depending on the level of “Karen”, 1 being the less obnoxious variety and 10 being the satanic variety, the method used to calm the beast varies. The less obnoxious variety can often be settled with an exchange or store credit…after consulting with your manager of course. Or sometimes simply acknowledging their concern will work. Such as…”I know, isn’t the return policy a little restrictive here, I understand your frustration.”
Now the satanic variety, that’s a whole other kettle of fish to deal with! Even after explaining nicely what can and can’t be done with a sale or concern, the satanic variety can’t be calmed and quite frankly after trying everything and getting nowhere, you might as well give up. So brace yourself against the hurricane strength wind of the satanic “Karen” that is about to come your way! Just keep breathing…and repeat after me in your head…”Not Today Satan…Not Today!!” “Karen” will eventually tire herself out…or spontaneously combust, either way it will be over. But whatever you do, don’t let her see you weaken, stick to your guns and put on a confident face…smile and nod. If nothing else that will tick her off and that’s a point in your favor, giving you confidence to keep your chin up. Satanic “Karen” must not win.
The most important part of this I want you to know and remember is that the “Karen” is a “Karen” problem and more to do with whatever difficult situation she is going through that is making her a miserable nasty person in the moment. She is taking it out on you, it is highly unlikely that it has anything to do with you.
It makes you feel belittled and like you’ve been kicked in the gut, believe me I’ve been there!
Life Experience Wisdom
*Don’t take “Karen” rants personally, there is something else going on in her life she is dealing with that makes her miserable. (But still no excuse to be disrespectful to people)
* Bring balance into things, focus on the good customers and good people that cross your path.
*Take time out to breathe and get your head straight.
*Talk it out with a friend, sometimes exchanging horror stories helps you see you are not alone.
* If all else fails, go deep into the bowels of the stockroom and just scream…I’ve done it… it helps!
* And finally….try your best to not let “Karen” take up space in your head…she’s not worth it.
May the “Karens” get called out and calm the hell down. The world does not need life lemon “Karens” being thrown at innocent people! I hope you don’t have to endure this life lemon too many times in your life, but remember you will cope and survive and be better than ever.
“Karen” disclaimer….
I recognize not all women named Karen are “Karens.” I personally know some lovely kind Karens.
I encourage all people to be a Karen…and not a “Karen”. And this is why I have written “Karen” the way I have. 😉
Cheers til next time!
Grace
My Motto
When life throws baseball size lemons at you, that smack you upside the head, stomp on those damn things and make yourself a cocktail!