To the ‘Karen’ Yelling at Fast Food Employees on I-90: Do Better

To the "Karen" at the Mohawk Service Area on the New York State Thruway on Sunday afternoon: Do better.

My boyfriend and I had been standing inside the rest stop along a long road trip home after some time with family in Buffalo. As we were ordering a quick meal from McDonald's and getting ready to hit the road again, you came in the doors and walked right up to the counter, demanding to speak with someone about the meal you had just received in the drive-thru.

Now I'm not typically one to eavesdrop, but it was practically impossible not to, as you yelled at not one, but two employees because your sandwich had too much sauce and your kids' ketchup packets were missing.

"If you can't get it right, then don't work here," you remarked.

Now I get being frustrated that your meal didn't come out as you would've liked, and I can certainly understand wanting to come in and pick up your missing ketchup packets so your kids will eat their meals. I get it. But read the room.

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At the time you busted into the service area set on speaking to the manager, there were at least ten groups waiting in line inside, nevermind those going through the drive-thru. It's safe to say the employees at McDonald's were pretty busy and made a mistake anyone could have made by accident under stress.

You certainly got a few bewildered looks and sarcastic comments from bystanders as you went off on the McDonald's employees, but as I feel this may not have been the first time this has happened, let me give you a simple tip to keep in your back pocket for the next time your inner "Karen" stirs.

Just try to lead with kindness — It's that simple. We all make mistakes, and it's okay to cut our fellow humans a little slack. Take some deep breaths, and remember your "pleases" and "thank yous." They truly go a long way.

While we didn't stick around long enough to see how your whole sauce ordeal ended up, there's one thing I do know for sure: It probably didn't end as happy on anyone's end as it would have if you had led the interaction with a little kindness and understanding. But next time, right? Next time.

Cheers,

Kari