Rant - Using Christian Names when Addressing Envelopes etc

hollydays

I usually refer to the "family" name" to differentiate.

superscaper

hollydays wrote: »

I usually refer to the "family" name" to differentiate.

I always say "surname", I don't think I've ever used "family name". Probably partly regional and how you're brought up I guess.

finallydebtfree!!

I dont mind if they use my christian/first name/forename whatever you want to call it as it means my mum wont accidently open my post or vice versa as we have the same first intial.

superscaper

finallydebtfree!! wrote: »

I dont mind if they use my christian/first name/forename whatever you want to call it as it means my mum wont accidently open my post or vice versa as we have the same first intial.

Very good point. Definitely a practical reason for using the full name.

RichyRich

I've never really seen the issue that people have with the use of given names. In fact, it really used to irritate me when people would go out of their way not to use their given name (I take it that "given name" is a reasonable substitute for "first name" or "christian" name in this sense).

I've never had any objection to people calling me "Richard". It's my name. I certainly prefer being "Richard" to the far more impersonal "R".

I don't really see how it's impolite to call me Richard, because it's my name.

If somebody could explain why they find it impolite to be called by their given name I'd really appreciate it, because it's bugged me for years...I've never ever understood why people have an issue with it. Is it a historical thing? I'm not getting at anyone, I just don't understand why people don't like being called by their name!

Cheers
Rich

superscaper

RichyRich wrote: »

I've never had any objection to people calling me "Richard". It's my name. I certainly prefer being "Richard" to the far more impersonal "R".

I don't really see how it's impolite to call me Richard, because it's my name.

Me neither. In fact I don't really feel comfortable with people calling me Mr Scaper. (besides that it's not my real name). Far too formal to me. Even when making a complaint to a company etc, I find things get done much better when you're using first names as it seems to make everyone more amenable.

Markyt

RichyRich wrote: »

If somebody could explain why they find it impolite to be called by their given name I'd really appreciate it, because it's bugged me for years...I've never ever understood why people have an issue with it.

I don't like the informality of it, so it depends on the situation. Friends and colleagues use my Christian name, as I do with them. To anyone I am conducting business with, or who is trying to sell me a service or goods, I am Mr T.

It's a simple marketing trick that results in businesses using first names - their customers think they have a bit of a special, informal relationship. I don't want that. Business is business, and it should be formal - don't try and blur it by calling me 'Mark', or, worse, 'Mate'.

superscaper

Markyt wrote: »

I am Mr T.

I ain't gettin' on no plane, fool!

lilac_lady

I don't object to letters sent to me showing my first and second names. I shred everything with name, address, account number. If you were going to be defrauded, more than your name would be needed for information.

superscaper

Markyt wrote: »

or, worse, 'Mate'.

I prefer things less formal but I certainly agree about the "mate" thing. That's too far and presumptious to me. I'm not their friend.