Covid: The Rise Of The Karen

 



I had another Covid based run in yesterday morning.
This time with a group of seven female joggers
It was unpleasant and upsetting
And this time I was on the receiving end of their righteous indignation 

I was walking on the track or a former railway line with Mary and Dorothy when I heard them far in the distance . A set of joggers in close formation all shouting and laughing. 
Their ages ranged from 30 s to 60 s
As they neared me I put Dorothy back on the lead and moved to one side to let them pass which they did .
But then they stopped filling the track as they gasped and talked and laughed all within inches of each other . 
I called out a sharp “ Excuse me !” 
and they moved to one side to let me pass but not before one of the women, buoyed up by numbers called out in a stage whisper 
Some People Are miserable,”
“ I’m not miserable but angry” I told them, whirling around 
You block the trail, are not social distancing , are spluttering and shouting all over the place and putting yourselves and me at risk of Covid” I said and added
I’ve just finished a twelve hour shift as a nurse with Covid patients so I know what I am talking about!”
(Well it was just one Covid patient but I thought it unwise to be pedantic)
The women threw back several comments but I only heard one naming one of their party a “ worker in healthcare”
“ Well she should know better” I told them suddenly realising I was on a hiding to nowhere
I started to move on
As I did so one of the women shouted “ We look after ourselves , we arnt obese Like you! ,”
I stopped  and turned around
Shocked and upset at the personalisation and stupidity of the insult 
For once I was lost for words and stood there open mouthed
Really ? ......
Really ?” I asked shaking my head 
Then I walked on 

But the insult stung as it was meant to

and it was made worse because these women were middle class types , the ones that did care for their own bodies and ate healthily after a few kilometres run.

And I was a lone, invisible man who had dared to challenge them


133 comments:

  1. Now, see there, John, you've gone and shattered my illusions! I've been following your blog and thinking, "It's nice to know that there are such nice places in the world..." And now this: I find out that you have assholes in Wales too. *heavy sigh*

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    Replies
    1. There are arseholes everywhere

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    2. I have even got one myself! I refer to it as The Grand Canyon.

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  2. Anonymous12:18 am

    I don't like the word Karen used like this, no doubt a lot of people named Karen don't like it either. The Karen are a race of people in Burma so it's not PC either. But sorry for your experience with those women...selfish attitudes and small minds.

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    1. I think your upset is misjudged but the point is taken

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  3. Anonymous12:21 am

    Only those without an ability to articulate an intelligent argument are reduced to insulting a person's body. I know it stings, still, try to focus on your success in other difficult areas,and take credit for how well you coped with all the changes in your life these past two years. - Mary

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  4. what a cruel, stupid horrible encounter. Were they wearing masks? Best to leave/ pass on by, and not engage?

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  5. That's group mentality. They were probably spiteful because you caught them being irresponsibly careless and you rightly chastised them for it. And I don't choose my friends based on their body size. Give me a caring, kind-hearted friend who will warm stunned birds in a pan and bring a 'leftover' ham to his elderly neighbor any day.

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    Replies
    1. Yes...they bristled at my EXCUSE ME and because they were high my rebuke wasn’t accepted

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    2. I’m fine and was minutes later x

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  6. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest their armpits. I’m sorry you were the victim of such vitriol.

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  7. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest their armpits. I’m sorry you were the victim of such vitriol.

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    1. Love, love, love this reply... but unfortunately I am sure there is no hair in the armpits of women like these for the fleas of a thousand camels to infest; more is the pity. Chin up John, their reply says they knew they had been caught out. The pox on them.

      Jo in Auckland

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  8. They were just a pack of arseholes, nothing more.They may be middle class, take care of their bodies, and exercise, but they are still just common, stupid, rude, arseholes in my opinion.

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  9. I am so sorry. Sadly attack as the best form of defence is all too common, but I am sorry that you were on the receiving end.

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  10. ‘I can lose weight, but sadly, you’ll still be a bitch.’ I’ve said it myself and it 1) made me feel SO much better, and 2) shut her right up.

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  11. Tell them--I can lose weight, but you will always be...(whatever you choose.)
    or
    Look sternly at the group and say, "I know your mother!" It works for teens, so they will probably think you are going to tell their mother how rude they are.

    or
    say to the one "worker in healthcare", I know your superior. or boss.

    or
    Take some of your money and buy a caring gene or manners, or whatever you choose.

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    Replies
    1. I’m usually more quick witted than I was yesterdsy

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    2. You've been doing nights... it dulls the wits... hardly surprising. I live for your "cheap shoes" comments.

      Jo in Auckland

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  12. Though your heart is gold and theirs are covered with soot and ashes.

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  13. "Nobody wants a bone but a dog" would be a good come back should you run into this type of Karen again.

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  14. I was sorry to read this - you were having a peaceful walk with your dogs and they decided to be unkind. Its a pity that being a group made them act unfairly.

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  15. You were tired, your energy spent on your vocation! Once rested you will be able to comeback with all kinds of quick witted remarks, to put those spandexwearingsnittybitches in their place (no offence to the girls in your home!) rest

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  16. You were tired, your energy spent on your vocation! Once rested you will be able to comeback with all kinds of quick witted remarks, to put those spandexwearingsnittybitches in their place (no offence to the girls in your home!) rest

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  17. I feel for you. Such a personal insult to 'get even' with you would have paralysed me into silence, as it seemed eventually to do with you after you'd said what you needed. In such circumstances I only realise what I should have answered when it's too late, the moment having passed.

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    Replies
    1. I hope they reflected individually after the event

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    2. I'm pretty sure they would have, as anyone adequately 'wired' would.

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  18. The silliest of comments can be hurtful. You're a strong person, John; I'm surprised you didn't have a jogging version of 'Cheap Shoes' at the ready.

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  19. I'm sorry you had to deal with that. Some people are not only stupid but they are mean too.

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  20. We have that kind of stupid here also. Cheap shot but it hurts.
    xx

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  21. Barbara Anne4:47 am

    I haven't read the other replies, but am reminding of something I overheard a few decades ago when a self-righteous s*******d made fun of an overweight woman. She replied, "I can lose weight, but you'll still be ugly inside."

    Fret not, John, they're the ones with the problems, not you.

    Big hugs!

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  22. Spoilt women who are used to getting there own way!. Sadly this pandemic has brought out the very worst in some people who want to do as they wish not what they should, not giving a thought for other people. They may be middle class but there manners are definitely in the gutter.

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  23. Insults like that will always hurt... I'm so sorry. You were a man walking his dogs, very visible, caring, responsable and lovely to all of us.

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  24. I am so sorry for the rude comeback. That's the behavior Trump is famous for. Defending his bad behavior by attacking.

    I named my daughter Caren. She is a respiratory therapist here in TX. ( I know. I hate to admit I live in this state, but stuck here for financial reasons!). My Caren often finds herself confronting the non compliant mask wearers in her path through the days. Happened just the other day ; I was with her at Lowe's. The cashier was wearing a mask----below her nose. Caren told her that Covid is no joke. She has lost a number of patients. What infuriates me is the number of people who must wear the mask in order to enter the store, then promptly pull them down around their necks. It's my opinion that if the majority of mankind is so stupid and hardheaded, we are earning our demise.

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  25. Fit but nasty - not worth worrying about. Your attributes are worth so much more, John. X

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  26. All brave warriors when they're mob-handed.

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  27. You can lose weight, John but they will always be selfish idiots. There's no cure for that. Xx

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  28. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  29. O FFS, I wish I had the delete button under my control. Please ursula, go.

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    1. Dont worry she was arguing a point she didnt need to I had already posted all the information needed in the post

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  30. Yuck! What sleezeballs those women showed themselves to be. Put it out of your mind John. And I'll bet they actually knew they were in the wrong.

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  31. Can’t buy class John. They sound like a bunch of knobs.

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  32. Agree with Tayz totally.

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  33. Yep, I agree with Tayz. Stupid people usually resort to insults when they run out of words!!! I hope you feel better about the situation soon and you're not alone, you have so many people who care about you.xxx

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  34. I too am in agreement with Tayz John. Just remember all your blogging pals and all those wonderful friends you have and your supportive neighbours and friends in your village - each one of them worth more than that stupid lot put together. Gigantic hug over the air waves from me. x PS Ad let's not forget your four-legged mates who depend upon you entirely and your patients at the hospice. I just hope those joggers have all gone home, thought about it and wish they had behaved differently.

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  35. They were probably the school bullies.

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    Replies
    1. There is an element within some heterosexual middle class women who feel totally intitled

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  36. Tayz definitely wins 'comment of the day'. And you are not invisible, John as the many comments from your friends above show (and it's only 9.30 on Sunday morning!) It's easy to stay sylph-like when you have all day to go for a jog and then prepare a healthy salad for lunch...not so easy when you're knackered from nights...but you will get there!

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  37. It's extraordinary how many people simply refuse to admit that the virus is potentially deadly or debilitating and refuse to take proper precautions against it - and vilify those who do.

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  38. John love, I am so sorry you were hurt by their cruel words. Some people can be poisonous and I am not talking about the virus. Bless you for challenging them. I hope it made them think.

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    1. Forgot to say that I like a chubby man. My lovely chubby hubby keeps me warm at night. Don't change a blimmin thing about yourself. You are a good man.

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  39. They were in the wrong and knew it so lashed out in the most hurtful way they could. Tayz is right.
    Pack mentality would give them license to be cruel.
    As my mum used to say "I hope she's constipated". The notion always made her feel better somehow.

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    Replies
    1. LOL! I'm gonna use that one!

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  40. Their behaviour was inexcusable - and I reckon they know it. I also reckon that they, individually, feel bad, but will keep that to themselves so as not to lose face infront of their muckers. I bet they don't recount the event to anyone who wasn't there - it would be too humiliating. You did right and you did well.

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  41. What a horrible encounter, those sort of things really hurt. You are much more than the numbers on your scales. You are a good, kind man and didn’t deserve that. Enjoy your time off.

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  42. That sounds like a horrible situation. Just as lairy youths in groups are fortified by gang mentality so it was with these women. Besides, you are definitely not obese, just cuddly!

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  43. I sometimes despair by how cruel and nasty people can be. I have to remind myself that lovely people like you and your commenters make up for it.

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  44. My sense is that people resort to personal insults when they have nothing intelligent or rational to offer. I find myself lately not saying anything to the unmasked. My thinking is that if they're ignorant and hateful enough to not concern themselves with the safety of others around them, nothing I can say in that brief moment is going to change their minds -- and I'll only put myself at risk for more harm.

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    1. Or, as they say, you can't fix stupid.

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  45. Too busy looking after themselves to think of anyone else..not even that if they were in a huddle.
    You may be a wee bit rounder than you'd like, John, but you are not doing a job which helps your health even if it helps others. Rather ironic, really. Gang mentality too as the previous commenter said. Highly unpleasant

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  46. Anonymous10:03 am

    Oh John. What to do with such people and how to react to them. So far I've kept my mouth shut when I have seen someone unmasked. R has not. I am not sure I will any longer. At 71 it is not easy for R to wear a mask when out walking, but he does, as do I. Why can't young people?

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  47. You should have yelled "cheap shoes".

    I'd take one of you over six if them anytime.

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  48. Built for comfort not for speed...

    LXX

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  49. Dear John, you had encountered a pack of harpies, it happens ;/

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  50. When people resort to name calling they know they are in the wrong. .... they are obviously obsessed with weight and how they look and probably have self esteem issues. You always look lovely in your photos and have no problems there. Virtual hug💕 XXXX

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  51. Dull non intelligent persons do these things because they can't come up with an intelligent jibe. But then it's always better to just let it go.

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  52. Stupid entitled women. What really gets to me is people walking side by side chatting away who have no intention of going single file to pass like it's their God given right to take up most of the pavement and make me step into the road !

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  53. Lynn Marie11:37 am

    Good for you. Cheering you on from Maine. Nasty people don't stop unless they get called out. If they get called out enough by enough brave people like you, it eventually will sink in to their thick brains they have to change. In the meantime they will lash out in their small, mean, ugly way. Don't let that take its toll on you and your true heart.

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  54. I am beginning to despise joggers, but I have to admit they had a good show-stopping insult. I generally get insults relating to my age these days.

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    1. Yes, their one liner shut me up instantly

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  55. Some people are just insensitive jerks -- and they were no doubt feeling strength in numbers. Re. your headline, my boss's name is Karen and she's on a campaign to reclaim her name on behalf of all the good Karens out there. Just felt I should mention that and possibly get myself a raise. LOL

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  56. Karens are everywhere and if one of their group was a healthcare worker, I hope she doesn't tend to actual patients!

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  57. I quite often get off the path and bow to inconsiderate non-distancers like these people. It's astonishing how often they don't perceive my passive-aggression (sarcasm) and smile and thank me, as though they were superior people, deference to whom by lowlife like me was only to be expected.

    Part of the problem is that nice middle-class people don't think they're the sort to get or spread it. I see a lot of thyat in the leafy suburb where I live.

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    Replies
    1. Psychologically people that are fit, may feel immune to the potential horrors of Covid ...I get that
      I also get that running in a group may give you a high , a high which means social distancing may be forgotten in the camaraderie of the moment
      I burst that high
      But that’s no excuse for those such insults that followed

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  58. You should also know that women are Lovely People and CANNOT be in the wrong. If you try to say they can be, you'll be shut up as Mansplaining.

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  59. That has upset me and almost in tears-What a piece of shit she is( I was going to say Bitch but my darling is a bitch and I also like cows)-Revolting woman x

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  60. I haven't thought of a comment that would not be offensive to some. The older I get the more "colorful" my vocabulary becomes...

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  61. John, have you seen this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltjBT_TuUVA

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  62. Gits, the lot of them

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  63. Right you were to challenge them. Inconsiderate people are in abundance, which is a shame. Shame on them for not recognizing your sacrifice and owning their own stupidity. Chin up.

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  64. Is this a trend? I was walking the other day on a road where I rarely even see a car and here came at least half a dozen, maybe eight! women walking together, maskless, taking up an en entire lane of the narrow road. They were chatting and laughing as they walked and I can't imagine what they thought they were doing. I kept well to the other side and did not say a word.

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  65. If you were unlucky enough to see her again-as she passes you could wince and say "smelly armpits" x

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  66. Entitled, scared people are everywhere aren't they?

    What I have realized, those screaming the loudest about loss of "freedom" and wanting it all normal is that they are people who have never been inconvenienced. Yet, it is more than being inconveinced for them isn't it? It is a loss of control and the uncertainty that have made some people downright cruel and cowardly. They forget that ALL of us want this pandemic to be containted, but thanks to indignation, here we are.
    Be gentle to yourself my dears.

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  67. Nope - you may have felt alone or invisible at that moment, but not here and I hope never again! You're a kind, considerate man who has many friends and blog readers who care about you. You have a job that many could not do and you do it with empathy and caring. You've had an eventful couple of years and you've come through it; moving forward no matter how hard it's been. As you often say, chin up, tits out! Have to admit, that saying always makes me smile - even if my tits no longer point forward.:) Hugs to you!

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  68. You are far from obese, you are not marathon runner thin, but you are very healthy. I sometimes encounter a group of people being unsafe and rude, I have been known to stop, block the trail and stare, some of them get the message.

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  69. I quite liked your response. I think “really? Really?” is a better response than an insult back. I shall try and remember it as my usual approach would be to insult back.

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  70. Just remember they are together because no man wants them they are bitter and alone. Women over thirty lose all value if they are not in a relationship, so they tend to hate all men.

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    Replies
    1. Bit of a nasty generalization there Bathwater.

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    2. wow! I'm single and 49. I must be a total bitch

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    3. Kylie you are probably the exception :).

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  71. You are by no means obese John. You are a wonderful human remember that. You have good friends who love you. Your patients be benefit from your care and kindness. Silly spoilt women who you had energy right to challenge.

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  72. One troll made it her mission to remind me ( and you) that I SHARPLY called out EXCUSE ME BEFORE this altercation
    I shared that information so the readers could make their minds up about who had started things .
    They didn’t need this fact to be pointed out
    I had ALREADY POINTED IT OUT
    Geeze

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  73. I guess those gals were letting off steam and having fun and you burst their bubble. But they were rude to you. However I don't like the way everyone is bad mouthing them. Put is down to the stress of the times.

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    Replies
    1. Yes I see that aspect of the confrontation debs and have alluded to it in several of my replies
      And I agree in part
      But there is no excuse for the personalised insult dashed out by, to be fair, just one woman
      I burst their bubble ...agreed....but we cannot ignore breaches in simple Covid laws

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  74. Good for you for standing up for what's right! But I don't like the term "Karen" to refer to entitled middle-class women, since I actually know several Karens in real life who are very nice people.

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    Replies
    1. Karen is just a term and doesn't refer to all....but I get your point x

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  75. The virus seems to have brought out the best in some and the worst in others. In the US we deal with that also plus a "leader" who has given permission to all the racists and haters to crawl out from their hiding places. Praying for an end to both of the viruses.

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    Replies
    1. Indeed and I wSquick to temper too yesterday x

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  76. I was beaten up in secondary school because my mum was in a wheelchair. Years later when working on the front desk at the local jobcentre, the youngster who had beaten me up arrived to sign on. She had two kids in a double pushchair and another being held on her hip. This woman was exhausted and completely bedraggled. Instead of the usual grilling we were meant to put every client through (what have you done this week to find work..) I simply signed her card and let her return to her life.
    I felt sorry for her.

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    Replies
    1. Tracey I’ve had a similar experience which fir many reasons I won’t touch on today

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    2. Thank you for being kind - I hope she recognised you. Glad to help with the Marigold tip!

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  77. Yogi Bhajan used to say, "Tell the truth and you will have many enemies." I always wear my mask and step aside when walking my dog, too. It's gotten to the point where if I see someone up ahead that I know will be a problem, I make a u-turn. One line that works for me is, "I've HAD Covid. I don't want to give it to you." They always freeze. It's true.

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    Replies
    1. I often use
      “ I’m protecting you not me”

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  78. As a nurse I feel your frustration, I work in GP surgery so not so at risk, but am aware when standing close to a patient in my job taking blood doing dressing that I am vulnerable. So it makes me mad when these high class I've got tons of money but no manners make no effort. Rise above their arrogance. We know that covid is not choosy who it infects. Stay safe lovely man. Xx

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  79. Dear John,
    So sorry this happened. People can be really insensitive, and this virus has brought out the best in people, and the absolute worst in people.
    ~Mick

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  80. Sounds like a group of self-righteous bitches. Rise above the fray, John. You are a far better person than this group of women. They knew you were right, hence the unfounded personal attack.

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  81. Stubblejumpers Cafe11:43 pm

    You had guts to speak up. Many wouldn't have. -Kate

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  82. If I had been part of that group I would have felt so ashamed and called her out on it.

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  83. I copped an 'obsese' comment but I just said, "I can loose weight, what can you do about your big mouth".

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  84. I saw this and knew where it belonged!! People of all shapes, sizes and ages get CO-vid. Stay well. Barb
    https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/jdyv76/wear_a_mask_by_noah_lindquist/

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  85. Well at least you are further up the food chain than those knuckle dragging neanderthals. They need to be working on self development rather than their weight.

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  86. One's size, color, age or gender does not determine one's worth. Perhaps these women will discover that one day if something unfortunate happens to them and their perfect world is shattered. Should they be subject to being shunned, mistreated or insulted by strangers?

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  87. You're a lovely bloke and I'm really sorry this happened to you. We all value you. Hugs. Jxx

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  88. Hi John. I have been reading your blog for a while and I think you're lovely. These women were totally out of order and words do hurt. I do object to the use of the word Karen though. It is a derogatory term for a middle aged white woman, which surely makes it racist. This is not an attack on you; just want you to know how much such names upset me when we hopefully are all striving for total equality between all people, regardless of colour.

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  91. I'm waaay late commenting, but just now I was watching the final season on "Schitt's Creek" and when David says, "I once dated someone who left me for a stuffed animal," I thought, Now THERE's an insult.

    Calling someone obese? So unimaginative.

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I love all comments Except abusive ones from arseholes