Don't assume a nickname

[Anonymous]

I have a common and commonly shortened name. Like Elizabeth, but I do not go by Liz. I never have. Nothing wrong with it, but it's just not me. Certain colleagues, I assume in an attempt to be chummy, have started calling me Liz and it has spread and I have to make it stop without causing offense. I'm an adult and I'll manage/ figure it out, but please, if you find yourself wanting to shorten someone else's name, DON'T. Or ask first anyway. I'd happily tell anyone who asked that I go by Elizabeth. (not really but same idea)

[Anonymous]

Common courtesy would say not assume, but that is out the window these days. I will admit it's odd to call a little boy Robert, or Anthony, instead of typical nicknames, but one should self correct and adapt. I am guessing you use your full name on email. Introduce yourself to others with full name etc., perhaps don't respond to Kat when called, instead of Katherine.

[Anonymous]

I actually grew up with an Elizabeth who for some reason I always called Liz, and every time, through gritted teeth she politely told/reminded me "I prefer to be called Elizabeth." I don't know why I had this mental block (maybe bc I found her uptight and prissy) but it took me until 5th grade to stop calling her Liz. As an adult I'm much better about calling people what they want.

I am jealous of you - I have a name that doesn't shorten and wish mine did so I could have a cool nickname.

[Anonymous]

Just tell them you prefer your full name.

[Anonymous]

They can call you anything they want. If you answer they will continue.

[Anonymous]

Is this a regional thing. I used to think that my friends from the northern states were more likely to use common nicknames and friends from Southern states to use the more full names.

[Anonymous]

Yes, but I’m sure it’s not meant to be rude. When you work with a bunch of people named Jen and Chris, it’s hard to remember that one wants to be called Jennifer or Christopher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this a regional thing. I used to think that my friends from the northern states were more likely to use common nicknames and friends from Southern states to use the more full names.

Nope. I'm from the Northeast and have known plenty of people who went with the full Jessica or Megan or Brooklyn instead of Jess, Meg or Brooke.

[Anonymous]

Remember that Rob Schneider SNL skit.... He'd be all "The Liz Meister! Lizzarama!"

Take it in a flattering way, it's a sign of being a friend if they make up nicknames. If there are some you just really hate, tell them to not use that particular one.

[Anonymous]

This is how you go through life?

I don't have a common white woman name. I get called all kinds of things. I just don't care, and I'm not weird.

It's Elizabeth, not Liz.

Weird!

[Anonymous]

How about the nickname:

E.Z.

So much easier

[Anonymous]

There are some names that are always shortened. Matthew, for instance. Everyone and their cousins are going to assume they also go by Matt. It's unavoidable.

With a name like Elizabeth there are options. Liz. Beth. Libby. Eliza. It's hard to know unless you ask.

[Anonymous]

No, my first name ain’t baby. It’s Janet. Miss Jackson if you’re nasty.

[Anonymous]

We always knew when the person calling my Dad was a telemarketer because they’d ask for Art not Arthur.

Just ask, it’s not hard.

[Anonymous]

I have the opposite. I went by the short version, people still called me the long version. I legally changed it to the short version and people still ask me if my name is the long version or even just call me the long version. It’s very annoying.