Do You Know Karen?

Do you know Karen? That perpetually bitter woman who is never satisfied—always irritated, always correcting, lecturing, and policing everyone unfortunate enough to cross her path. She is equally outraged by crying children and by birds that dare to sing too loudly in the park.

I often wonder where such women come from. Because once upon a time, they were little girls splashing happily in rain puddles. Pretty young women chatting on park benches or laughing too loudly in the local pub. Mothers desperately trying to soothe their screaming toddlers or battling with their prickly teenagers.

So how did these delightful beings morph into sour, exhausted, life-worn enforcers of public order?

Is it a lack of attention? A lack of love? They are no longer the center of the universe—no longer young, slim, or particularly eye-catching. The male gaze has moved on. Their children are grown and no longer seek their wisdom. With every passing year, fewer and fewer people depend on them at all.

And so they find another purpose.

They patrol the world instead—self-appointed guardians of etiquette, referees of public behavior. Someone is standing in the wrong place. Speaking too loudly. Existing incorrectly. And finally, finally, they are needed again. Their opinions matter. Their irritation has a mission.

Perhaps bitterness isn’t their true nature, but a survival strategy. When no one asks for your care, your advice, or your love, you give it anyway—unsolicited and with sharp edges. And if the world no longer applauds you, you make sure it at least notices you. Even if only by rolling its eyes.

But there’s another path. Staying positive, seeing life in bright colors, keeps your spirit young and makes you magnetic to others. A genuine smile can hide your age, drawing people in with warmth rather than pushing them away. Choose light, laughter, and curiosity—it’s the best way to remain vibrant, interesting, and truly timeless.

If you want, I can also adapt this into a punchy Instagram version with short, scroll-friendly paragraphs and a strong visual rhythm—perfect for women over 50. Do you want me to do that next?