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Dear Aunty Pam,

Well, I’ve had it. I’m a woman in my early 40s and my name is Karen.

As you know, any woman accused of being nosy or unhinged is called a ‘Karen.’ I am tired of people in my office making jokes about my name, and even my husband, when we have a disagreement, will say, ‘OK, KAREN,’ because he knows it infuriates me.

It’s so unfair! There must be millions of Karen’s out there suffering the same thing. What can we do? What can I do? I’m seriously considering changing my name. But why should I?

Signed, Karen

Dear Karen,

Believe it or not, I’ve been giving this quite a bit of thought for some time. I have friends named Karen, and I cringe when I hear or read of these demeaning comments. It’s not easy having a difficult name, and Aunty Pam should know. My middle name is ‘Mary,’ which makes my initials PMS. I’ve spent a fortune on monogrammed sweaters that I can never wear unless I want to clear a crowded sidewalk.

Certainly, you can change your name, but why should you? Perhaps using a sense of humor is your best weapon should someone say to you, ‘Oh, your name is Karen?’ Flash them a dazzling smile and reply, ‘Yes, so don’t pi*# me off.’

That should do it!

 

Cheers, dears!!

Aunty Pam