Camp Counselor Left 'Dumbfounded' by Woman's Bizarre Ice Cream Demand
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A camp counselor has been applauded for their response to a woman's "ridiculous" demands on Ice Cream Day.
The camp counselor, user No_Deer4983, recounted the incident on Reddit, explaining how the woman, whom the OP named "Karen", had approached the ice cream stand to ask whether the ice cream contained peanuts, claiming she was allergic.
Despite telling the woman that it was vanilla ice cream, she continued her line of questioning.
A stock image of three ice cream cones.
A stock image of three ice cream cones.
GETTY
After confirming with the camp's head chef that there were no peanuts in the vanilla ice cream, the OP returned to let the woman know.
However, that wasn't enough to satisfy her, and she demanded the OP check the box.
"I sigh and wander back down the stairs to the walk-in cooler to check," they wrote. "I even thought to bring it back with me in case she doesn't believe me."
"Well, they might have peanuts in the factory where this was made. You need to check," she replied.
The OP recalled, "I just stare at her, dumbfounded. 'And how exactly am I supposed to do that?' I responded, perhaps a little snarky. I was getting tired of her nonsense," the OP wrote.
The woman then claimed the OP was treating her "poorly" and threatened to complain to management about their service.
"It's a crappy summer job, I get paid barely anything, and no one else wants to do it," the OP replied. "Complain all you want."
As she stormed off, the OP noted with satisfaction that there was a strawberry sherbet ice cream made especially for lactose-intolerant kids, "but like hell I was gonna give it to her".
The OP remarked, "Sure, I could have probably avoided the headache by bringing that up to begin with, but some people just don't deserve ice cream."
Speaking to Newsweek via Reddit direct message, the OP explained, "It happened at the end of a long work day, and I never saw that particular Karen again.
"The kitchen staff has trained us on the proper way to look up if products are made in a factory with peanuts, and they are apparently labeled as such. I didn't know until after the fact."
Reddit Reacts
More than 250 Reddit users took to the comments to weigh in, with many expressing disbelief at the woman's behavior.
One user commented, "'...some people just don't deserve ice cream'. Truer words were never spoken."
Another added, "If she's THAT allergic to peanuts, she should know not to even risk it then and move on."
"Yeah, she is hella annoying," one Redditor remarked. "If that truly mattered to her, she shouldn't stop at a shabby ice cream spot and just go to an establishment that's regulated, period. What an odd old fart."
Another suggested, "I would have just said, 'Yes, there is a chance there are peanuts in this ice cream. Sorry' to get her to leave."
Allergies and Attitudes
The post resonated with readers in part because it mirrors similar scenes in public places where individuals have conflicting expectations about allergy precautions.
In one incident reported by Newsweek, a man was widely supported online for his decision to eat mixed nuts on a flight, despite protests from another passenger who said they had a peanut allergy.
Other disputes stem from misunderstandings, with another Newsweek article describing a woman who was accused of falsely claiming an allergy to avoid eating certain foods at a family dinner.
Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Dad Refuses to Finance Daughter's Decision to Attend Grad School, Claiming She's Using It to 'Delay Entering Adulthood'
A dad proudly supports his daughter but won't fund her grad school because she's unsure of her goalsNEED TO KNOW A father faces a tough decision about funding his daughter's grad school He questions whether supporting her financially is the right move, as he feels like she's using higher education to "delay entering adulthood" The Reddit community weighs in on parental support and boundariesA father seeks support from the Reddit community for advice following a tough decision about his daughter's graduate school plans. The 46-year-old dad shares that he's 'incredibly proud of her and everything she's accomplished so far,' but he struggles with her choice to pursue grad school right now. He explains in his post that his daughter, 23, 'is not entirely sure what she wants to do with the degree she's pursuing,' and he worries that she's using graduate school 'as a way to delay entering adulthood.' While her mom covers most of her current expenses, the father is clear about his stance: when asked what he plans to contribute financially, he writes that he told her, "I wasn't planning to give anything.' When his daughter first brought up the idea, he didn't oppose it outright but made it clear he wasn't on board with funding her education 'unless there was a clear plan.' He points out that she works part-time, but it's 'not enough to cover tuition and living expenses.' At home, she splits her time between her parents and doesn't pay rent, yet the father feels that this arrangement can't continue forever. Trying to be practical, he suggested she consider starting grad school online so she could keep working and 'avoid extra costs.' However, this idea was dismissed, and the decision was made for her to 'move out, get an apartment, and attend school while working part-time,' with little input from him. He shared his concerns but was met with resistance, being told he was 'being negative.' Now, when asked again if he'll contribute financially, he stands firm: 'I said no.' He emphasizes that he supports her as a person, but 'I don't support this particular decision.' His hesitation seems rooted in the fact that both he and his ex-wife earned their graduate degrees later in life, after becoming young parents themselves, making the timing of his daughter's choice feel premature. The father wonders if he's in the wrong, asking the Reddit community, 'AITAH for refusing to help pay for her grad school when I don't agree with how she's approaching it?' His dilemma resonates with many, sparking thoughtful advice from commenters who remind him, 'Your money, your choice.' One suggests that while it's okay to say no, he should 'tread carefully' to avoid straining the relationship. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Some users' advice encourages the father to communicate love and support clearly: 'If this is what she wants then you're happy for her but that you aren't comfortable financing it," writes one. Maintaining connection is key, even if they disagree on this matter. Another commenter advises keeping things simple by saying, 'I've budgeted for other responsibilities,' and then focusing on staying involved in her life by checking in and inviting her out. In his own words, he remains hopeful about their relationship: he 'supports her as a person' even as he questions her path. Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
CNET
5 hours ago
- CNET
Mold Growing Inside Your Washing Machine? Use This Secret Trick to Get Rid of It
Keeping up with the laundry is never easy. It's a chore that many of us avoid until we have to deal with it, but things get far more difficult if you open up your washing machine and are met with the odor of old books, rotting wood and damp socks. If this has never happened to you, you might be confused as to why your washing machine smells. We have bad news. It could be mold. Mold and mildew feed off of heat and humidity, breeding in dark spaces that don't get properly aired out. During the peak of summer, mold can easily move into your washing machine and cause a problem you'll need to deal with. CNET A quick look around Reddit threads suggests that more than a few people struggle with stubborn mold, mildew and bacteria in washing machine door seals. While some have experimented with using chemicals like bleach, odd smells and stubborn particles in and around the door of their washing machines can be a recurring problem. Thankfully, tackling mold and mildew in your washing machine just requires some elbow grease. All it takes is a proper deep clean and your washer will be back to doing its job without mold, mildew or bacteria interfering. Cleaning the washer, along with allowing it to air out between uses can work wonders. Not sure how to properly clean your washing machine? We'll walk you through what you need to know about killing bacteria or mold in your washer and how to rid your machine of those awful smells. Read more: Are You Washing Your Bath Towels Enough? Experts Doubt It The best way to remove a bad smell from your washing machine If you have mold in your washer, here's how to get rid of it. Doing this monthly will help prevent mold growth. 1. Put on gloves and grab an old towel that you don't care about. 2. Mix a solution of either bleach and hot water or vinegar and hot water. (Never mix bleach and vinegar -- it creates toxic chlorine gas.) 3. Dip the towel in the mixture and start scrubbing away at any visible mold. Be sure to get the detergent dispenser and around the gaskets. 4. Front-loading machines have a gasket around the door. If you have a front loader, clean and dry it thoroughly, including all the folds. Be careful not to tear the gasket. 5. Run the wash cycle on the hottest setting your machine offers with a cup of bleach or vinegar. If using bleach, pour it into the compartment designated for bleach. If using vinegar, pour it into the detergent slot. If your machine has a self-clean cycle, you can use that setting. This should kill any hidden mold that you may have missed. 6. Use another old towel and wipe away all the moisture in your washing machine. This includes the drum, dispensers, seals and any other areas you can reach. 7. Leave the washer door open to allow airflow to dry any parts you missed. Simple ways to prevent mold and mildew in your washer Leave the lid open if you're not washing clothes Mold grows in dark, moist areas, which is what your washer becomes after you've unloaded the clothes. Whether it's a top or front loader, keeping the lid closed traps moisture, which can lead to built-up bacteria and a bad smell. Leaving the washing machine door open helps ventilate the area and prevents mold from growing in the first place. Remove wet clothes right away Damp clothes are another breeding ground for mold. If you're throwing in a load of laundry, make sure you'll be home to remove the clothes right when the wash cycle ends. Not only does this prevent mold from growing in your washer, but it keeps mildew out of your clean clothing, bedding and towels. Dry damp seals and other parts after each use After you're finished using your washing machine for the day, wipe down any part of the washer that's damp. This includes the lid, drum, door, rubber gaskets and detergent dispenser (if your machine has that feature). Keep an old towel on hand for this purpose. Dry the seals along with the rest of your washer to prevent moisture from sticking around. And while mold contamination can happen in any washer, it's especially common in high-efficiency (HE) front-loading washers. That's why you should regularly wash the gaskets and seals around the door and keep them dry. The gaskets make sure water doesn't leak out around the door and they also do a good job of sealing in the moisture that can help mold grow. You should also remove pet hair, crumpled paper or any other debris from the machine right away. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, use a powder detergent made for HE machines. Taylor Martin/CNET Use a high-efficiency washing machine Liquid detergents can leave a residue in your washing machine, giving mold a food source. So if you have a high-efficiency washer, the first thing to do to keep mold in check is to make sure you're using a laundry detergent made specifically for this type of washer, which will produce fewer suds. (Look for the letters HE on the bottle.) Better yet, steer clear of liquid detergent altogether and switch to powder detergent or pods. Whichever you choose, make sure you're only using as much as you need to wash your clothes. If you use too much, your clothes may have a smell and residue. Once you've cleaned your washer, it's time to move on to the rest of your house. Start with the bathroom: Here's a simple one-hour hack for degunking your showerhead and how to unclog a toilet without a plunger. FAQs What cleaning chemicals should I avoid mixing when cleaning my washing machine? You're going to have to apply some elbow grease, put on some cleaning gloves and break out the cleaning chemicals to clean out your washer. A cleaning solution of hot water and bleach or hot water and vinegar is what you'll want to use to scrub out the inside of the machine, but you never want to combine bleach and vinegar -- that creates chlorine gas, which is toxic to you and anyone else in your home. What should I do after I finish running my washer? After you clean your washer and return to regular use, you'll still want to prevent new mold or mildew from developing within the machine. When you're done using your washing machine, make sure to dry the inside of the machine to avoid the warm, wet conditions that bacteria usually flourishes in. More cleaning tips and tricks for the home
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
Hearts Break for Dog Surrendered To Rescue With Wedding Ring on Her Collar
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A dog surrendered to a shelter came with a heartbreaking item attached to her collar—a wedding ring and no explanation. A 1-year-old dog named Lotus first arrived at the county animal shelter before being brought into the care of a Charlotte, North Carolina, rescue. The previous owner surrendered her, along with a wedding ring, claiming they "no longer wanted her," an August 7 Instagram post under the account @forgotten_now_family_rescue stated. A representative from Forgotten, Now Family Rescue told Newsweek that there was no explanation regarding the wedding ring, but confirmed that the shelter said it was attached to her collar when she arrived. The previous owner looped the gold band to the part of the collar where a name tag would normally hang. While Lotus isn't the only canine surrendered to shelters—about 2.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues across the country during the first half of 2025, according to the Shelter Animals Count—the wedding ring attached to her doggy collar proved a bit unexpected. Screenshots from an August 7 Instagram post of a wedding ring attached to Lotus's collar; and a person holding the item. Screenshots from an August 7 Instagram post of a wedding ring attached to Lotus's collar; and a person holding the item. @forgotten_now_family_rescue/Instagram Not only did a relationship end, but her life as Lotus knew it also turned upside down. The dog came to the rescue, scared and confused. Nerves flooded her eyes, as seen in the photos posted to Instagram. She remained timid and unsure about her future, and, despite the turn of events, she remained "so sweet." Thankfully, Lotus received several adoption applications since Forgotten, Now Family Rescue first shared her story. People instantly fell in love with her black, scruffy fur and hopeful face. Lotus is now safe and sound with her adopters, unwinding from the turn of events in her life and regaining her confidence. The animal rescue said "she's doing amazing" in her forever home. Viewer Reactions The Instagram post instantly captured people's attention. Many felt heartbroken about the situation, but others stressed the importance of not judging the owners, as they might have removed Lotus from a dangerous situation. "Discard the spouse if necessary. NEVER discard the dog," commented a viewer. A second posted: "Wow, she's beautiful. I hope she finds a forever home soon. Thank you for rescuing Lotus." A third person wrote: "Not saying this is the case, but just remember there can be various reasons people surrender their animals, domestic abuse, deportation from the US, etc." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
