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Friday, October 26, 2007
A rose by any other name
Someone at work called me Connie today. Several times. Which I hate. It was in an email so I couldn't correct him when it happened. And while it came from a pleasant individual and I know it was meant in a friendly way, I suspected that if I didn't say something, then all the people he had copied might start calling me Connie too! Next, it could be the whole organization. Then I might be stuck that way for the rest of my career... So I replied, saying yes, I would be happy to do whatever was needed, and signed my name (pointedly, I thought). However, the next email had another Connie in it! This time, when I signed my reply, I put Constance, not Connie. That got the message across satisfactorily, and I got two quick acknowledgements; I just hope it didn't make me seem like a prima donna...
I think this is a case in which it was worth seeming prima donna (not that I think you are), because you simply could not allow that to continue! Good for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little surprised that the individual didn't perceive that you're definitely a Constance, not a Connie!
ReplyDeleteI always think it's a mistake to call anybody any name other than what they have heard you referred to by yourself or others. You should always err on the side of following the name you've heard. I doubt anyone else is calling you Connie.
ReplyDeleteDear Mistress Con,
ReplyDeleteYou were totally right to correct him. Not having a nickname-able name, I don't run into this much, but my husband is definitely a Michael, never Mike. He doesn't correct people, and just grins-and-bears-it. Mistake.
I remember talking with your future boss at the time of the HMI aquisition and he kept refering to you as Connie. I corrected him immediately, thinking to myself, sweet mother of God, NO! She's not a Connie!
--Ellen (never an Ellie)