Karen Complains To Restaurant Employee About A Customer Not Putting Ice Before Refilling Drink

by Filip

Some individuals have an innate need to exert control over every situation they face. This compulsion often originates from a combination of personal insecurities, a fear of the unpredictable, and a deep desire to shape outcomes to their liking.

Such behavior can sometimes inhibit collaboration and spontaneity as these individuals struggle to lose control and trust in the natural flow of events. They also tend to impose their will on others, believing it is the only right way.

Recently, a Reddit user faced such a person and shared his story online. The OP was relaxing in Cafe Rio when he decided to refill his drink.

While waiting in line, the OP noticed a woman and her roughly 6-year-old child ahead of him. Just as the child was about to get his drink, his mother told him to add ice first because "everyone gets ice in their drink."

The child stepped aside, allowing the OP to proceed. While the OP was midway through refilling his drink, the woman suddenly obstructed his view with her hand and gestured towards the ice machine, saying, "Everyone puts ice in their drink.".

Seemingly exhausted, the OP calmly responded without any hint of humor, "Oh, my bad, I'm allergic to ice.". The woman looked confused, and after a moment, she left with her son.

After a few minutes of checking his phone, the OP noticed the same woman heatedly discussing something with an employee while pointing in his direction. But the OP finished his meal, disposed of his trash, and left the cafe, believing it wasn't worth the hassle.

Reflecting on the event the next morning, the OP was wondering about the oddity of the entire situation.

The OP explained:

He was waiting in line to refill his drink when a mother told her son to put the ice first:

It removed the line, so the OP started filling his drink, but the lady also expected him to put the ice first:

It clearly upset her, and she even complained to the employee about the OP:

The OP can't help but wonder about the weirdness of the whole situation:

An over-controlling person

"I generally find these sorts of people to be those with significantly low IQs."

The allergic response was pretty witty

"You inadvertently made her look like a liar and stupid to her child."

She probably wanted her kid to have less soda

The OP was simply trying to get a drink, and there was no written or unwritten rule stating the order of ice or drink addition. In such casual environments, individuals should have the liberty to go about their tasks without unrequested advice.

The OP's humorous yet peaceful response of being "allergic to ice" was a light-hearted way to assert personal choice without escalating the situation. Everyone should feel empowered to make ordinary decisions, like how they prefer their drink, without facing criticism, especially from a stranger.