That’s Not My Name – British Problems Reddit Missed

I recently spent the day working (for free) with my local newspaper, as part of my ongoing quest to build up a journalistic portfolio and gain real life experience. Despite previous experience with the same paper, it was a few hours in to the day that I realised the Deputy News Editor was definitely calling me Vicky. This isn’t my name. It’s not even particularly close and it’s certainly not who I’d like to see the bylines attributed to.

This got me thinking. Is this a British problem that reddit missed? I have no idea how to handle a situation where I’ve been called the wrong name for hours and it’s too late to correct it.

So I took to social media, and found some real gems of stories about this problem. I am definitely not alone.

Naomi has found herself being called Carmella at work… this is not only why she doesn’t reply to emails, but also a great scapegoat for blame!

Last names that could be first names have caused confusion, as a girl became known as Paul in emails.

But even correcting the perpetrator can do no good, as a Martin was called Matthew through a job interview, and the phone call afterwards, despite telling them otherwise. He didn’t get the job.

Welsh names have caused problems for Owain, Glesni and Twm, while fruity names like Cherry become Kerry, Jerry or Sherry.

Elena nearly didn’t graduate; Elaina did.

But the most common name problem we seem to have is being called another family member’s name. I heard from lots of people who’s grandmother, or even their own mother, will reel through a list of their other children’s or grandchildren’s names before getting to the one they want. What a way to feel loved!

Whether it’s done intentionally or not (and I’m sure it rarely is), it is quite rude to get someone’s name wrong. Names are an important part of our identity and it can be almost offensive when someone doesn’t remember yours. I certainly feel very sheepish when I don’t know someone’s name, especially if you have to introduce them to someone else!

I also asked people for their solutions to this British problem. It seems we’re too polite to just say “Uh… I’m actually called (insert name here)” but facebook did come up with some brilliant solutions.

You can tell an anecdote referring to yourself in the third person. For example “I couldn’t believe I’d done it, mentally shouting ‘Rebecca you fool’ at myself!”

I tried drawing attention to a notebook with a old name tag stuck to it whilst the perpetrator was standing nearby, but this didn’t work. Maybe he thought it was someone else’s.

Finally, I can only suggest leaving your twitter or facebook open in the hopes they’ll see your name. It might be time for us to lay British manners to one side, and pipe up! As the Ting Tings sang: That’s not my name!