This happened to me at the pool today (during Covid). I walk to a shaded area to set up my chair. I’m conscientious about not taking up too much space so others can use the shade, too. People bring their own chairs or towels to sit on since the pool kept the chaise lounges stored. I notice that there are 5 towels on the ground taking up nearly all the shade, but no one is using them. After about an hour of the towels being vacant, a Karen walks up and this is how the conversation goes:

Karen (in a snarky tone): Is this your chair?

Me (took a break to lay with my son in the sun, but I’m still close by; I’m also listening to a podcast and not quite catching everything she says): Yes - do you need me to move it?

Karen: (Gets loud and says something snarky)

Me: Is there a problem?

Karen: Your chair is not six feet away from us. What is WRONG with you? What if I have a sick child?”

Me (Now it’s on like Donkey Kong): Ok, KAREN, then maybe you shouldn’t be at the pool in the first place. And maybe you should think about not laying five towels down to hog all the shade and then not using the space for at least an hour.

Karen: Says something nasty (cannot understand as I am trying to peacefully listen to my podcast again).

Me: (I flip her the bird)

Karen: Oh, that’s a real nice gesture to use in front of your son.

Me: I’m showing my son how to stand up to bullies. YOU are a bully.

Karen: (doesn’t say a word)