I hate when people call me by name from my name tag

In my job I really hate strangers calling me by name just because it's on my shirt. I find it somewhat presumptuous and familiar. I don't like some stranger using my first name. Some guys say it creepily too. Is it normal? I'd rather them just say
" miss" or not address me at all.

Voting Results
72% Normal
Based on 50 votes (36 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 41 )
  • Holzman_67

    Yeah I sort of know what you mean. I feel like someone earns my name through introduction, not observation. Although it's unavoidable if the company makes you wear it and somebody wants to use it. Definitely know what you mean though. I have to wear one in my job and the times where customers have used it have always come across as awkward and not natural.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Shackleford96

      +1 to this, I couldn't have said it better.

      I always get this strange feeling of 'what the fuck? Do I know this person?' Then the realization that they gleaned my name from my name-tag happens...

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • BigScaryRooster

    I just place a fake name on the tag so people won't know my name.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • adolpholiverbush

    If I call a business on the phone and the person answers, (example), "This is Sara, how my I help you? " I'll start by saying, "Hi Sara. I have a question. ........." I guess in a world where everyone is a "number", calling a person by their name is more personable. Especially if a sales person helps me in a store. If I call him/her by their name, I would think that you appreciate their help even more when you say, "Thanks Ken for your help. " By using their name, it seems more heart felt.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • I have realized that my reaction isn't really normal. I still don't like it though!

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Ellenna

    If this bothers you it sounds as if you shouldn't be working in customer service. I never have but I often use someone's name from their name tag and I've never had a negative reaction. Similarly if I'm calling a company I ask the name of the person I'm speaking with and then use it.

    I don't see the problem here

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • aliencandy

      Ok well 'Ellenna' in customer service it's not like you can get rude with the customer or tell them not to call you that. Seriously do you expect a negative reaction from people who are paid to deal with other humans and withhold the attitude? Of COURSE you wouldn't have a negative experience.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
    • I just don't like strangers calling me my name, especially men who try to get all cutesy. I'm not in customer service, I'm a receptionist.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Ellenna

        I can understand that, but if it bothers you so much maybe you're in the wrong job?

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • I think I have issues with names. It's complicated.On this I'm decidedly not normal:D

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • Ellenna

            Do you mean an issue with your name? If so, change it.

            I got the impression it was about men using your name to sleaze on you and that's going to happen without them knowing your name

            Comment Hidden ( show )
              -
            • It's a bit of everything. I have intimacy issues and I rarely call other people by their names. I really don't understand it.

              Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Couman

    I can sympathize. I don't like it when clerks call be by the name from my credit card. (It's only happened once or twice, but it's creepy.)

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • anti-hero

    Deal with it or get a different job that doesn't require a collar... I mean name tag.

    Good girl.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • wistfulmaiden

      I've had worse jobs without a name tag. I just feel a lot of people are using it in a patronizing way.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • gloryholeflasher

    I sometimes address people by their name tag. It's not to hit on them. I feel like using their name, which is out there in the public domain, validates them as a "person", rather than a tool or a computer, or a nobody.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • It depends how they say it, a lot of time it feels condescending. If we all had name tags it might be ok:)

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Yobrepaid

    I used to work in retail. I hated it when customers addressed me by name only because they could somehow comprehend the sequence of letters displayed on my nametag and assemble it into a speech pattern that I recognize as my spoken name. Even as a guy, this annoyed me, especially when they would do it several times within a single conversation.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • wistfulmaiden

      Thank you;$

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • default28

    Deal with it, it ain't the customers fault you can't get a real fucking job.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Any job is a real job asshole ... Except welfare maybe

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • LizardSkin

    Wear your name tag upside down, it will throw them all off.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • green_boogers

    You need a name tag that says, "Miss".

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • wistfulmaiden

      This I like!

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • green_boogers

        No problem, Miss.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
  • ReginaFalange

    If they are particularly wierd and you think you can pull it off, congratulate them on their ability to read, or something sarcastic like that. (only if you can be funny enough as to not sound too rude...)
    Also, you could try wearing a brooch or something that will hide part of your name.
    If nothing works, the most important thing to keep in mind is jerks will be jerks whether or not they know your name. If they are stupid or disrespectful, they'll find a way to show it even without saying your name.
    Working with costumers can be exhausting, but look at it as an opportunity to learn more about people's behavior, you'll get the hang of it. :)

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Arm0se

    Where do you work?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • wistfulmaiden

      An office

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • wistfulmaiden

    Seriously no responses?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Arm0se

      I voted normal.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • wistfulmaiden

        Thanks

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • slings_and_arrows

          I voted not normal. It sounds like a schmaltzy, overfamiliar thing to do. The only exceptions are if it's someone who is very charming and there are some sparks between you, or if a customer is pissed off and is using your name to annoy you.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • wistfulmaiden

            Yah I know .. I'm not normal:)

            Comment Hidden ( show )
              -
            • slings_and_arrows

              But I was agreeing with you...that their behaviour isn't normal, but your reaction to it is normal. Maybe I should have voted normal, I'm confused > <

              Comment Hidden ( show )
  • thegypsysailor

    Then why wear your name so your customers can read it?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • anti-hero

      I assume it is store policy genius...

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • wistfulmaiden

        They tell us to wear it and always "remind" me if I don't.

        Comment Hidden ( show )