Say my name

Every once in a while I have an identity crisis. It usually happens in a restaurant or on the sales floor of a store. Sometimes on the phone with a customer service rep.  Without warning, my name disappears into the ether and I become "honey," "sweetie" or "doll."

I hate it when people call me by affectionate nicknames. Seriously, would it be okay if I called the news editor "dreamboat" when I handed over the press releases?

My grandma or anyone her age can probably pull it off and I won't complain out of respect for my elders. My mother can do it because she brought me into this world and she can take me out of it.

Unless I tell you otherwise, my name is Mariah, Ms. Mercer or ma'am.

- Mariah

Comments

[Linda]

Say my name?
How about try S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G my name!
When I have to give my last name to someone trying to spell it, I always say: “Woodland, like the trees and the forest.” It makes it a lot easier on the person trying to spell my name, and it spares me the eight-letter spelling lesson.
I’m lucky to have such a simple last name … unlike some of my colleagues. You wouldn’t believe the laughter that breaks out when Joel has to spell his name for someone: “S-E-N …. S-E-N again, I-G. SENSENIG.” Inevitably, the correspondence is addressed to Joel Sensing --- not quite the same thing.
Then there’s Scott Cottos. Now really, how many esses, cees, ohhs and tees does a person need to spell their name?

[Danielle]

I recently got "Kiddo." I haven't been a kiddo for about 20 years.

On a somewhat related note, I also get mail addressed to Daniel, and I know for a fact that I'm not a guy.