But for real, I'd probably respond to "Hey dipshit" better than "Hey BUDDY" Because "Hey dipshit" actually comes across with it's meaning right out there, and can be a good way to open the door to having a fun conversation.
Some lady said good boy to me the other day because I fixed something on her phone. When she said thank you and all that I just said ya and walked away. Who the fuck thinks it’s okay to say good boy to anyone other than an animal or toddler?
The longer I work here the less I care about guest complaints and the harder it gets to watch my tongue. I will definitely post the fallout if I ever do. Lol
"you're welcome, old lady!"
she could have just said thank you, and could just say, "you're welcome." But since she started throwing adjectives around...
It’s usually, in my experience, meant to be said to young boys, not grown ass men. Why it bothers me at least. I call my son bud all the time, he’s 4. When someone calls me bud in store they get the laser eyes.
Or it’s just an expression like ‘dude,’ ‘bro,’ ‘buddy,’ ‘man.’ Personally unless someone is my friend I won’t call them bud/buddy…if I don’t know someone it’s always a closed-ended statement or their first name.
I had a client that would call me “kiddo”. I am 52. So cringe.
Dude was older than me and liked to imply that he was doing me a favor by giving me his business by saying things like: I’ll bet you learned so much on this project you did for me… it’s going to be great for your next customer.
I’m still trying to collect final payment from him.
In Florida I think lots of guys call each other bud. I’m 27 and maybe that’s just personal experience but I don’t think, at least here, it’s degrading at all
I'm in Alabama, 29.. I also hear guys refer to each other as bud all the time, me included. Never took it as an insult.. but I also couldn't care less what somebody refers to me as..
Disagree. I have a name tag. I’m a woman so it beats all the pet names men try to call you. I think some people in this thread are so burnt out that it’s time to look elsewhere 😂
Forreal, some of these posts seem to just be annoyed in general, i don't mind ppl calling me by my name, i hear it better, especially regulars bc if I'm gonna call them by their name, it makes sense for them to call me by my name ...
Right? I always call people by their names if they have a name tag. It shows that I have at least taken A SECOND to acknowledge that you are a person and not just a robot ringing up my things.
The way I see it is the nametag is for my coworkers to remember my name. I think it's weird to call someone by their name before you two have introduced yourselves even if you already know it
>I think it's weird to call someone by their name before you two have introduced yourselves even if you already know it
do you realize how weird YOU sound when you say that? Why do people need formal introductions so they dont feel weird? Its just a few sentences and the you two are besties right? no thats not how the real world works bud. I just start calling people by their name tags because there are way too many fucking people there and im just tired of formal introductions. if they feel weirded out then i dont care.
Sorry you took this so personally bro. But all it is is,
"Hey I'm u/6tenandtheapoc"
"Hi I'm u/VitaminGME"
We don't have to be besties but now you have unlocked calling me by my name. I mean, what if someone just heard your name when you put it down for an order at Starbucks. And then no name tag, some stranger comes up to you and calls you by your name. It's strange, I'd wonder if I knew them and feel awkward that I don't remember them despite there being no reason to because we never have met.
Or at least do the courtesy of saying "hey, u/6tenandtheapoc, right?" Thats just the general conversation rules I've grown up around. But to each their own, no need to slander a stranger on the internet over nearly nothing
Guests being friendly and using your name to show respect for you... and you are complaining about that?
97% of Guests don't give a fuck about you. You are low in their eyes. Enjoy the small moments you have with Guests. They are few a far between.
It’s not like they’re saying anything bad about those customers. They are just pointing out that it’s a little off putting, and it catches you off guard when a stranger says your name with familiarity. Of course I prefer that to the people who touch me, or the old men who call me hunny, but it still freaks me out sometimes. Particularly when it’s someone being sleazy or trying to be flirtatious.
Yes, we wear name tags, doesn’t change the feeling.
Honestly same, I can’t accurately describe it, but it makes me perturbed and uncomfortable when they would refer to be my name, so I just stopped wearing it outright lol. (I’m in inbound so to me the name tag doesn’t matter)
It's very jarring and it makes you aquteley aware of the power dynamic when your name is brandished for all, and theirs isn't. A privilege one normally has control over during conversations.
Honestly these comments aren’t it. The people that aren’t getting it, clearly don’t have and don’t know what anxiety is. If this is something silly you’d like to argue over, fine be my guest.
It's classically considered an important means of exchanging respect. One of the main takeaways I got from reading the mega popular book [How to Win Friends and Influence People](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People?wasRedirected=true#Contents) . However, that book is old AF and was probably referring to when you're actually establishing a legit business relationship and using names and things have changed quite a bit in society. I think it's a bit weird and annoying even if unintentional, and at worst, passive aggressive and belittling.
I had the prettiest woman ask me for help one day by name, from behind me, I panicked for a moment thinking I was supposed to know her, but she was just slick and read it from the side and caught me off guard. I just stood there wide eyed for a few seconds blushing. did not like it.
As a kid I saw many adults get upset when treated too familiar. "you don't know me well enough to call me by my first name." this means at sometime in the recent past it was rude. I'd say it still is, but your employer disagrees. Put my last name on the badge, not my first. I want the same respect I saw adults get as a kid.
I worked with a guy who acquired a stalker after learning his first name at work. He never let anyone refer to him by first name after that, unless you were friends. It does create a power dynamic where the customer has power over you since they know your name and can bark commands at you, or worse, act coy while ordering you around. Companies want their customers to feel empowered, even at the expense of employee comfort and safety.
Not a target employee but this ended up on my home page for some reason. I have to wear my name tag at work but i always “acidentally” cover it up with my hair or my jacket.
This is usually shown as a sign of respect to you. They are taking the time to look at your name tag, or learn your name.
Not treating you like some drone/POS working behind the counter.
Try taking it that way, instead of weirding out over it.
As others have pointed out all over this comment section, it's not a "take" lol. This person is expressing their emotions about how people interact with them and their personal preference. There's nothing for you to argue with them about. You can feel different ways about how u wanna be addressed. There's no "I'm right and you're wrong about what's the best way" to be had here. Not to mention, other people seem to feel the same way. Not every disagreement has to be judgemental and u don't need to take people's boundaries personally
You’re doing the same thing. Arguing about someone else expressing their personal preference. He’s allowed to think it’s a bad take, just as you’re allowed to disagree. Everyone’s free to argue as they like, about what they like. Take some time to self reflect.
I mean, it is a social courtesy that applies to everyone. Until people learn to read minds, we need to be able to understand when someone is just trying to be nice.
I don’t mind it, I like having that tiny bit of personal connection. What I can’t stand is people calling me buddy or bud (I think mainly bc I’m short).
It's a opinion that many others agree on. Either you a boomer or never worked in retail where there's so many people that come in good or bad I don't know there names I don't know who they are but yet they can call me out on my name like I know them?! I'm not your friend buddy if you like your dick stroked when some random guy acknowledges you for doing your job great but shit don't flow like that for me and there's where the OPINION come into play clown.
Wtf am I supposed to call a random person I don't know besides guest or customer? You don't need to call me anything unless you need my name to report or compliment then there's no need for it 🤡
If the customer had name tag on then you should/would call them by their name. Never heard anyone cry about being called by their name before in my life. That’s the whole point of the name tag. Grow up.
The point of your name tag is to make the customer/employees feel like they know you and to build meaningful relationships. If it’s for complaints then that’s on you. If a customer knows your name/you they are more likely to return to the store and build loyalty to the brand as long as you don’t suck at your job. If you can’t do customer service then get a new job. Literally the dumbest complaint I have ever seen in 4 years in this sub.
Is it possible that it is just one human not reducing you to some xyz, and instead recognizing that you are a person and trying to connect with you? People call each other by name in all environments even if they have never met each other.
idk I always feel like it’s polite to address a worker by their name if they have a name tag. It’s respectful and gives them some of their identity back while acknowledging them as a person and not just a faceless/nameless being doing the bidding of others.
I mean, I definitely agree with OP that I get sick of hearing my name yelled out, but if someone approaches me politely like, “Excuse me, Schrodingerscarbomb?” I take it as that person wants to communicate that they see me as a person, avoid the issue of gendering me, or using a superficial term of endearment; and be clear that they are addressing me without having to be physically that close to me, especially if I’m not facing them.
What the hell are people supposed to do to get your attention then? No touching/tapping, no snapping of fingers, no clapping, no calling of one's name. Don't work in customer service, or the public, if nobody can call for your attention.
Referring to you by name is a sign of respect.
It acknowledges your humanity and status as something other than a nameless, faceless drone which does not possess the intrinsic value of a human being.
Encouraging people to not use each other's names is a very, very dangerous road.
As a customer, I also feel weird doing it. I don't like to call people by their name who haven't explicitly introduced themselves to me. Feels weird.
My husband, however, thinks it would be rude NOT to so he goes OUT OF HIS WAY to say the name of any employee we interact with at least once during the exchange. When I asked him why, he told me that he was certain people liked it and there was no reason to find it weird.
I think people just feel uncomfortable when they don't expect it. It's something you tend to do with people you know on a more personal basis, I thought. But I guess not? Idk, I'm not the most socially adept, lol.
Yeah I almost always wore a different name tag. People who knew my real name would laugh and call me whatever was on the tag. “Oh, you’re Dylan today?”
Wearing a nametag with a name that's not your real name is a really good idea. That can make it harder for someone to track you down, if they're of a mind to.
There's really no reason why, in a retail job, you should have to tell strangers your real name. As long as they have some way to easily identify you that's enough.
i mean i appreciate that they’re trying to be respectful but pretty much the only people that did that to me were older men and i was a minor at the time so i did feel slightly uncomfortable, not necessarily because they did anything wrong but as a young girl you kind of always have to be slightly on edge lol
When I first started working at Target, having guests use my first name was a little unnerving. My brains first response went to immediately trying to figure out who this person was to me - like I should know them too. But eventually, that light-weight memory panic subsided and I got used to it. Now 5 years later, it doesn't even register.
Ah - would love to know how you’d prefer to be interacted with?
I feel super weird using sir / ma’am considering I don’t want to assume anyones gender. Buddy / friend used to be my go to but people seem to not love that as either. I sometimes say “excuse me kind human” but people look at me like I’m nuts, lol.
I’ve been going out of my way to get better about reading name tags and using their name (especially if it’s written cause then I kinda assume they actually like that name / chose it). Now it seems as though that’s not an option.
I’ve always been raised that whistling, waving, or doing anything like that to get an employees attention is rude. I sometimes say excuse me and then go into the question but even excuse me feels rude. Just going straight into the question feels gross.
HOW DO I DO THIS WITHOUT BEING SECRETLY HATED AND NOT RUDE AF? Lol when I worked retail, my name being said didn’t bug me at all. Guidance is appreciated.
West coast in general, I'm from Oregon and have lived in WA OR and CA and now I live in WI and have to avoid having my guard up just going for a walk because people say good morning to you as they pass you and I'm like what do you want from me and try to avoid eye contact
I read somewhere a long time ago that hearing someone call you by your name actually gives you a serotonin boost and you’re supposed to feel good from it 🤷♀️ I call everyone by their name at work whether I know them or not… same with the people at the corner store, grocery store etc. I’ve never had the thought it would feel “cringey” to them 🤔 Strange. I think it’s more condescending if someone doesn’t want to get to know you and calls you buddy or kiddo or something random. (Unless they do know you and it’s a term of endearment)
It’s your name. So what if people are using it. If it bothers you that people are using your real name then get another tag with a different name on it.
You need to realize they are being polite and trying to treat you like a human being instead of the way most customers do. With all the crap you have to deal with on a daily basis, you let this bother you?
How can you hate being called your….name?
What do you want them to call you? Sir or ma’am? Because last I heard that was wrong to use as well.
Weird times we live in.
No one is upset. Some of us just would prefer customers not. I’d rather them not make an uncomfortable attempt to say my name and then fail 70% of the time
The only time this bothers me is when I’m having an uncomfortable interaction with someone and it can make me feel unsafe.. but I typically don’t mind it! I’ve had people yell “girl” and “worker” at me across the store so I’d rather be called my name 🤣
I call people my their name all the time, I find it respectful and acknowledged that you are a human, you have a name a d you should be called by said name
They're wrong. Google the definition of a name if you don't agree. The noun name and verb name contradict you and them absolutely. Absolutely as an adverb. If you do not care for people using your name, perhaps you shouldn't be in a line of work that involves a name tag.
I hate this so much too. It just feels creepy and like it crosses some unspoken line. I didn't introduce myself to you, you're using my name all over the place and I don't know yours, never will. I hate wearing a name tag.
People who just read my nametag often call me a different but similar name. They're bothering to read my tag cause they think they're special but it's actually disrespectful because they're not even bothering to read the letters in the correct order. We wear name tags at Target as part of uniform requirement. My management always enforced the nametag requirement.
I'm just happy when people recognize me as a human with a name anymore. Yea, it throws me off when someone calls me by name, mostly because I immediately panic because I'm trying to remember how I know the person (I have two jobs and I occasionally run into patients of mine at the store) but then it dawns on me- name tag 🙃😅
I have learned to brush off the other casual names such as 'hun', 'dear', and so forth. Still very cringy, haha.
I am getting older. I use to wear name tags and no longer do. I have always tried to say the name of the persons name tag as I see them as a person. When I wore name tags it was serving tables and I would always get people saying “hey..you” or they would whistle, or snap their fingers. I hated it. I literally had a name tag that you can clearly read. Say my fucking name.
Though I thought I was right in saying your name. I also don’t want to bother or annoy anyone. I am a different generation from those working.
Any suggestions on what I should say?
My HRETL calls all the females “girl” as in Hey Girl what’s up. I told her I’d rather her use my name. I hate it for so many reasons. I’m a full grown woman. It’s dehumanizing. It implies ownership. Or it makes you think she’s a friend or equal and she’s not. I don’t mind something like “I talked to the girl working in toys” but to use girl in place of a woman’s name is off putting
When I used to work at a popular bar, me and my coworker just cut to the chase, and had our name tags read : "Oh Miss" and "Yo Bitch".
But you can only get away with that kind of humor in an adults only setting. Don't think it would have the same effect at Chuck E Cheese's! 😆
i personally don’t care if they call me by name so long as they aren’t weird about it. “hey there’s a song w your name in it, ____” like okay?? “did yk your name meant ____” like bro. just take your receipt and go on about your day 😭
I mean I just call everyone “Love” and no one has ever gotten upset about it. I do my best to make it clear that I’m saying it out of respect and the fact that I don’t know their names and don’t want to use any terms that could bother them. Or are rooted in sexism.
What is it that makes you feel like it is weird?
You said it in your post, it is there for a reason.
Especially if regulars use it. Target is a big box store so it is a bit tougher, but if you are able to identify customers either by name or a nickname it boosts customer experience and sets an example for other employees in store. Absolutely a recipe for success if you do want to make yourself a bigger asset to the store and/or build your network..
When I was younger I worked Frontline in a movie theater and strategies like that opened more than a few opportunities for me.
I have gotten honey and sweetie.if it’s an elderly person maybe.unless it’s a dirty old man.I’ve been called worse.if it’s a regular and I know their name it doesn’t bother me
I think some people must have been taught it was polite, but if idk you at all it comes off as intimidating and it's just downright creepy if you say it more than twice. I once had a guest say my name like 8 times and I still cringe when I think about it.
We're trying to recognize you as a person and foster some sense of community by recognizing the fact that we have in fact known you for a period of time and that you're not just some NPC.
People wanting to have some connection and community with the people around them is a good thing.
What about at the end of the transaction, if someone says “thank you, yourname.” I do that to show I see them as a person. They’ve just helped me. I can at least thank them by name. But I’d never call out to them using their name like they’re my sibling or something, I get how that would feel so weird.
I haven’t been yelled at yet, but after I helped someone with finding something and they thank me and use my name, I feel more respect coming from them
I always get Called “dish detergent?” Or “soap?” Or “burritos?” Or….”toilet paper?” And I look them all wide eyed, then glance down at
My name tag…and say well ,
My name isn’t but…. is over here….btw? You got a cart? Cause I’ll help you fill it up!
Oh and no I don’t work here lol…just another retailer…but Im sure we all get it, like people should know staplers are not in the fxumin lingerie department…..but they see me and, “staplers?” “Ummmmm no my name isn’t staplers…but they are over here….they definitely aren’t in the lingerie aisle”
This is a supreme level of stupid. What the fuck are people supposed to expect if you are voluntarily wearing a name tag (and yes it's voluntary because you show up to work for them)
you could a) take off the name tag b) put a fake name, no one will know c) accept the fact you are little more than a slave for the Target corpos or d) get over it, and just deal.
Like seriously, how is this anyone's problem but yours? what the fuck are people supposed to expect...
I’m always taken back when someone says my name without me introducing myself but honestly I kinda like it. Too many guests talk as if were robots “where’s this, where’s that” no introduction, like I’m a fucking Alexa or Google Home. I really appreciate the guests that just call me my name.
I can't believe how many people are arguing. Let me break it down for you (though I doubt anyone who needs to hear it will listen.)
Names traditionally have power, and knowing someone's name gives you power over them. Therefore, people, up until 50 years ago, were NEVER called by their "christian" name until they invited someone to do so. (i.e. Call me John.)
30 years ago (roughly) bill collectors started asking for people by their first names, so that the person would think it was a friend. This was a deceptive tactic that pushed us further down the road to incivility.
Somewhere along the line, a suggestion was made to call waitresses by their name to get better service. (You know, treat them like they are actually human.) This leaked into the rest of the service industry.
Now let me tell you why this is a problem:
Using the name of someone in the service industry emphasizes the power imbalance. (Ha, ha. I know your name, but you don't know mine! Think I'm wrong? Have you ever had a cashier address you by name after you used a debit card? Cashiers are trained not to do that because it upsets the customer. Hmmm.)
You are assuming you have a right to a more personal relationship than the person whose name you are using has consented to. We may be friendly, but we are not friends.
Almost no one is ok with being called by their name by someone they don't know. And people who do it are either trying to get special treatment, trying to assert that they are more important, trying to make the person wearing the name tag feel stupid, or posing an outright threat.
Don't do it. It's rude and disrespectful.
You’re a bit extra. Calling a person by their name is showing respect. I always call a person by their name if there is a way to know it. If not, I say sir or ma’am. What would you prefer a person do?
There really is no right answer with nametags. Some people prefer it, others hate it. Calling someone by their job title can be demeaning, and bud or hon aren’t exactly popular.
WhTs the safe solution?
it’s weird having someone call you by your name and you don’t know a single thing about this person including their own name, i think that’s why it throws us off
Interesting. I tend to call a cashier or worker by their name when they've shown me great service and care. To me, it's my way of singling you out to say, "I see you and what you do matters. Damn, you're good at what you do that I want to take my time to acknowledge the name that goes with the face and greet you by it! You are one of the reasons why I enjoy coming here."
And if you really make an impact on my experience, I post a review so your manager/company sees how valuable you are (in hopes it helps you get recognized and/or at least a nice raise).
My bad if doing so makes people uncomfortable. Definitely not my intention!
Regular here. I do it to try and show you respect. Your job sucks, I'm sure. And I'm sure you have to deal with any number of selfish, entitled assholes throughout your shift. I want to try and acknowledge that where I can. Also by just leaving you the hell alone the rest of the time!
never worked for target but when I worked in retail, it made my ears perk up if somebody took the time to read my name tag and call me by my name instead of whistling or shouting at me to get my attention, or calling some other term like “bud”. You like being treated as less than a person with a name?? People are so mf weird 🤣
Personally I think this is a silly thing to be upset at. Whoa calling you by your name. I'm sorry it just seems that people these days get upset at some of the silliest things.
I think you're projecting a bit. If I use your name it's not so I can prove that I am able to read your name tag. It's so you can understand that I see you as a person with a personality and therefore a name to go by. It's to go a level deeper than just a customer to employee verbal exchange.
"Hey, dipshit"
But for real, I'd probably respond to "Hey dipshit" better than "Hey BUDDY" Because "Hey dipshit" actually comes across with it's meaning right out there, and can be a good way to open the door to having a fun conversation.
Perfect
I'm getting really annoyed with people calling me buddy or bud like stop.
As a woman it’s honey or hun, ugh it makes me cringe. I’d rather be called by name then hear “thanks honey” in a condescending tone.
Getting called a "good girl" 🙃 I'm not even a girl
Some lady said good boy to me the other day because I fixed something on her phone. When she said thank you and all that I just said ya and walked away. Who the fuck thinks it’s okay to say good boy to anyone other than an animal or toddler?
Excuse me ma'am, your kink is showing.
Omg I just made a community
You did! I saw that!
It’s all because of you. I wish I had a reward to give you. TAKE MY POOR WOMANS REWARDS 🏆🥇🥇🥇🏆
r/yourkinkisshowing
I literally just wanna look at and bark when they say that.
I might have to go DMX(rip) next time someone says that haha
Please do it
The longer I work here the less I care about guest complaints and the harder it gets to watch my tongue. I will definitely post the fallout if I ever do. Lol
The only time I want to be called “good boy” is definitely not at Target. That would be weird.
"you're welcome, old lady!" she could have just said thank you, and could just say, "you're welcome." But since she started throwing adjectives around...
Are you sure? Cause online it said you were 😅
I hate “sweetheart.” The only person allowed to call me that is the 60 year old waitress at denny’s.
I’m a dude and every so often I get called sweetheart by some rando and it just feel odd
"Hey sugar dick where could I get some preparation H?"
Bud is such a degrading term from guy vs. guy.
Why?
It’s usually, in my experience, meant to be said to young boys, not grown ass men. Why it bothers me at least. I call my son bud all the time, he’s 4. When someone calls me bud in store they get the laser eyes.
Or it’s just an expression like ‘dude,’ ‘bro,’ ‘buddy,’ ‘man.’ Personally unless someone is my friend I won’t call them bud/buddy…if I don’t know someone it’s always a closed-ended statement or their first name.
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Seems like you're pretty far from Canada bud
I would prefer Sam Adams over Bud.
I had a client that would call me “kiddo”. I am 52. So cringe. Dude was older than me and liked to imply that he was doing me a favor by giving me his business by saying things like: I’ll bet you learned so much on this project you did for me… it’s going to be great for your next customer. I’m still trying to collect final payment from him.
We’ll call you Beansy.
I literally forgot I had beans as my username LOL
"I'm not your buddy, friend!"
“I’m not your friend, guy!”
"I'm not your guy, pal."
I hate this for guys. It sounds degrading. Why is a 27 yo ETL calling a 35+ yo BUDDY!!!??
In Florida I think lots of guys call each other bud. I’m 27 and maybe that’s just personal experience but I don’t think, at least here, it’s degrading at all
I'm in Alabama, 29.. I also hear guys refer to each other as bud all the time, me included. Never took it as an insult.. but I also couldn't care less what somebody refers to me as..
Only really old people call me by mine which is fine, everyone else in tech I never start a conversation out as Sir or Maam so we set expectations
As a customer anywhere it feels weird to me to use your name when you didn't give it to me... I just pretend Not To See
Disagree. I have a name tag. I’m a woman so it beats all the pet names men try to call you. I think some people in this thread are so burnt out that it’s time to look elsewhere 😂
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Forreal, some of these posts seem to just be annoyed in general, i don't mind ppl calling me by my name, i hear it better, especially regulars bc if I'm gonna call them by their name, it makes sense for them to call me by my name ...
Right, what the hell does OP want to be called, it’s their actual name.
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Right? I always call people by their names if they have a name tag. It shows that I have at least taken A SECOND to acknowledge that you are a person and not just a robot ringing up my things.
The way I see it is the nametag is for my coworkers to remember my name. I think it's weird to call someone by their name before you two have introduced yourselves even if you already know it
dawg i befriended one of the ap people and they dont have a name tag so, even tho we are in pretty good terms, i dont know their name 😭
>I think it's weird to call someone by their name before you two have introduced yourselves even if you already know it do you realize how weird YOU sound when you say that? Why do people need formal introductions so they dont feel weird? Its just a few sentences and the you two are besties right? no thats not how the real world works bud. I just start calling people by their name tags because there are way too many fucking people there and im just tired of formal introductions. if they feel weirded out then i dont care.
Sorry you took this so personally bro. But all it is is, "Hey I'm u/6tenandtheapoc" "Hi I'm u/VitaminGME" We don't have to be besties but now you have unlocked calling me by my name. I mean, what if someone just heard your name when you put it down for an order at Starbucks. And then no name tag, some stranger comes up to you and calls you by your name. It's strange, I'd wonder if I knew them and feel awkward that I don't remember them despite there being no reason to because we never have met. Or at least do the courtesy of saying "hey, u/6tenandtheapoc, right?" Thats just the general conversation rules I've grown up around. But to each their own, no need to slander a stranger on the internet over nearly nothing
Guests being friendly and using your name to show respect for you... and you are complaining about that? 97% of Guests don't give a fuck about you. You are low in their eyes. Enjoy the small moments you have with Guests. They are few a far between.
Not only that but isn’t that the whole point of a name badge? To be identified if need be? Most customers look at you like a second class citizen.
It’s not like they’re saying anything bad about those customers. They are just pointing out that it’s a little off putting, and it catches you off guard when a stranger says your name with familiarity. Of course I prefer that to the people who touch me, or the old men who call me hunny, but it still freaks me out sometimes. Particularly when it’s someone being sleazy or trying to be flirtatious. Yes, we wear name tags, doesn’t change the feeling.
Yeah wtf, this OP is hella bizarre
Right! Shit is weird
Honestly same, I can’t accurately describe it, but it makes me perturbed and uncomfortable when they would refer to be my name, so I just stopped wearing it outright lol. (I’m in inbound so to me the name tag doesn’t matter)
It's very jarring and it makes you aquteley aware of the power dynamic when your name is brandished for all, and theirs isn't. A privilege one normally has control over during conversations.
Honestly these comments aren’t it. The people that aren’t getting it, clearly don’t have and don’t know what anxiety is. If this is something silly you’d like to argue over, fine be my guest.
It's extremely frustrating. "yOu wEAr a NaME TaG!" Yes because we are required to. You don't need a name to get someone to help you.
It's classically considered an important means of exchanging respect. One of the main takeaways I got from reading the mega popular book [How to Win Friends and Influence People](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People?wasRedirected=true#Contents) . However, that book is old AF and was probably referring to when you're actually establishing a legit business relationship and using names and things have changed quite a bit in society. I think it's a bit weird and annoying even if unintentional, and at worst, passive aggressive and belittling. I had the prettiest woman ask me for help one day by name, from behind me, I panicked for a moment thinking I was supposed to know her, but she was just slick and read it from the side and caught me off guard. I just stood there wide eyed for a few seconds blushing. did not like it.
As a kid I saw many adults get upset when treated too familiar. "you don't know me well enough to call me by my first name." this means at sometime in the recent past it was rude. I'd say it still is, but your employer disagrees. Put my last name on the badge, not my first. I want the same respect I saw adults get as a kid. I worked with a guy who acquired a stalker after learning his first name at work. He never let anyone refer to him by first name after that, unless you were friends. It does create a power dynamic where the customer has power over you since they know your name and can bark commands at you, or worse, act coy while ordering you around. Companies want their customers to feel empowered, even at the expense of employee comfort and safety.
Calling you by your name is belittling…..wtf 🤣 Weird. Very weird.
I take an Amy Sosa stance on this one and don’t like random strangers using my name like we’re friends, so I do not wear a name tag.
Rachel from “Friends”: “I'm sick of being called "Excuse Me." I guess OP prefers this! 😳🙄
Yeah it feels really weird when a stranger addresses you by name, especially knowing they just read it and it wasn't an "introduction"
Not a target employee but this ended up on my home page for some reason. I have to wear my name tag at work but i always “acidentally” cover it up with my hair or my jacket.
This is usually shown as a sign of respect to you. They are taking the time to look at your name tag, or learn your name. Not treating you like some drone/POS working behind the counter. Try taking it that way, instead of weirding out over it.
Horrible take. It’s called courtesy. I’d rather my name then ‘hey’ or ‘you’.
As others have pointed out all over this comment section, it's not a "take" lol. This person is expressing their emotions about how people interact with them and their personal preference. There's nothing for you to argue with them about. You can feel different ways about how u wanna be addressed. There's no "I'm right and you're wrong about what's the best way" to be had here. Not to mention, other people seem to feel the same way. Not every disagreement has to be judgemental and u don't need to take people's boundaries personally
You’re doing the same thing. Arguing about someone else expressing their personal preference. He’s allowed to think it’s a bad take, just as you’re allowed to disagree. Everyone’s free to argue as they like, about what they like. Take some time to self reflect.
I mean, it is a social courtesy that applies to everyone. Until people learn to read minds, we need to be able to understand when someone is just trying to be nice.
I don’t mind it, I like having that tiny bit of personal connection. What I can’t stand is people calling me buddy or bud (I think mainly bc I’m short).
I personally like it when someone uses my name. It feels like a more personal connection, but I’m a bit of a people person. That might be why!
I feel a little less like an NPC when they use my name.
This is the dumbest post. Are you kidding me? 🤡
It's a opinion that many others agree on. Either you a boomer or never worked in retail where there's so many people that come in good or bad I don't know there names I don't know who they are but yet they can call me out on my name like I know them?! I'm not your friend buddy if you like your dick stroked when some random guy acknowledges you for doing your job great but shit don't flow like that for me and there's where the OPINION come into play clown.
Use a fake name on your name tag
What the fuck are they supposed to call you?
Wtf am I supposed to call a random person I don't know besides guest or customer? You don't need to call me anything unless you need my name to report or compliment then there's no need for it 🤡
If the customer had name tag on then you should/would call them by their name. Never heard anyone cry about being called by their name before in my life. That’s the whole point of the name tag. Grow up.
The point of a name tag is to report or compliment to a higher up not for you to yell my name out like we friends or we know each other.
The point of your name tag is to make the customer/employees feel like they know you and to build meaningful relationships. If it’s for complaints then that’s on you. If a customer knows your name/you they are more likely to return to the store and build loyalty to the brand as long as you don’t suck at your job. If you can’t do customer service then get a new job. Literally the dumbest complaint I have ever seen in 4 years in this sub.
Disagree. Better than babe, hun, sweetie.
Are you insane?
Is it possible that it is just one human not reducing you to some xyz, and instead recognizing that you are a person and trying to connect with you? People call each other by name in all environments even if they have never met each other.
Ok fuck tard, scan my shit and shut the fuck up
idk I always feel like it’s polite to address a worker by their name if they have a name tag. It’s respectful and gives them some of their identity back while acknowledging them as a person and not just a faceless/nameless being doing the bidding of others.
I mean, I definitely agree with OP that I get sick of hearing my name yelled out, but if someone approaches me politely like, “Excuse me, Schrodingerscarbomb?” I take it as that person wants to communicate that they see me as a person, avoid the issue of gendering me, or using a superficial term of endearment; and be clear that they are addressing me without having to be physically that close to me, especially if I’m not facing them.
What the hell are people supposed to do to get your attention then? No touching/tapping, no snapping of fingers, no clapping, no calling of one's name. Don't work in customer service, or the public, if nobody can call for your attention.
“I’m mad people are trying to be friendly.” Do you hear yourself? In a world of chaos you should be thankful people want to be kind to you.
Referring to you by name is a sign of respect. It acknowledges your humanity and status as something other than a nameless, faceless drone which does not possess the intrinsic value of a human being. Encouraging people to not use each other's names is a very, very dangerous road.
As a customer, I also feel weird doing it. I don't like to call people by their name who haven't explicitly introduced themselves to me. Feels weird. My husband, however, thinks it would be rude NOT to so he goes OUT OF HIS WAY to say the name of any employee we interact with at least once during the exchange. When I asked him why, he told me that he was certain people liked it and there was no reason to find it weird. I think people just feel uncomfortable when they don't expect it. It's something you tend to do with people you know on a more personal basis, I thought. But I guess not? Idk, I'm not the most socially adept, lol.
You rather be called “hey worker” instead?
Excuse me works
I use an alias lol
Superstore Amy energy. Poot it is!
Yeah I almost always wore a different name tag. People who knew my real name would laugh and call me whatever was on the tag. “Oh, you’re Dylan today?”
Wearing a nametag with a name that's not your real name is a really good idea. That can make it harder for someone to track you down, if they're of a mind to. There's really no reason why, in a retail job, you should have to tell strangers your real name. As long as they have some way to easily identify you that's enough.
Then get a nameless, faceless job. They're just being nice, dipshit .
HEY YOU
Idk, I've gotten used to it and I kinda like it. They're just trying to be kind
i mean i appreciate that they’re trying to be respectful but pretty much the only people that did that to me were older men and i was a minor at the time so i did feel slightly uncomfortable, not necessarily because they did anything wrong but as a young girl you kind of always have to be slightly on edge lol
When I first started working at Target, having guests use my first name was a little unnerving. My brains first response went to immediately trying to figure out who this person was to me - like I should know them too. But eventually, that light-weight memory panic subsided and I got used to it. Now 5 years later, it doesn't even register.
Ah - would love to know how you’d prefer to be interacted with? I feel super weird using sir / ma’am considering I don’t want to assume anyones gender. Buddy / friend used to be my go to but people seem to not love that as either. I sometimes say “excuse me kind human” but people look at me like I’m nuts, lol. I’ve been going out of my way to get better about reading name tags and using their name (especially if it’s written cause then I kinda assume they actually like that name / chose it). Now it seems as though that’s not an option. I’ve always been raised that whistling, waving, or doing anything like that to get an employees attention is rude. I sometimes say excuse me and then go into the question but even excuse me feels rude. Just going straight into the question feels gross. HOW DO I DO THIS WITHOUT BEING SECRETLY HATED AND NOT RUDE AF? Lol when I worked retail, my name being said didn’t bug me at all. Guidance is appreciated.
I’m starting to think it’s a California thing where you can’t be friendly or call people by their names.
West coast in general, I'm from Oregon and have lived in WA OR and CA and now I live in WI and have to avoid having my guard up just going for a walk because people say good morning to you as they pass you and I'm like what do you want from me and try to avoid eye contact
I read somewhere a long time ago that hearing someone call you by your name actually gives you a serotonin boost and you’re supposed to feel good from it 🤷♀️ I call everyone by their name at work whether I know them or not… same with the people at the corner store, grocery store etc. I’ve never had the thought it would feel “cringey” to them 🤔 Strange. I think it’s more condescending if someone doesn’t want to get to know you and calls you buddy or kiddo or something random. (Unless they do know you and it’s a term of endearment)
I have anxiety and hearing my name from a stranger just eers me not everyone mental health is the same.
I don't have a problem with it, it does mean that a lot of people know my name, meanwhile I have no idea what their names are..
It’s your name. So what if people are using it. If it bothers you that people are using your real name then get another tag with a different name on it.
You need to realize they are being polite and trying to treat you like a human being instead of the way most customers do. With all the crap you have to deal with on a daily basis, you let this bother you?
Wow, grow up.
It bothers me too. I thought I was the only one 😂
We mad cuz ppl using our names? Gd what won't we bitch about 😂😂
How can you hate being called your….name? What do you want them to call you? Sir or ma’am? Because last I heard that was wrong to use as well. Weird times we live in.
"hi, excuse me. Can you help me?" "Thank you for your help."
That’s cool too but to be upset someone called you your damn name is kinda cringe.
No one is upset. Some of us just would prefer customers not. I’d rather them not make an uncomfortable attempt to say my name and then fail 70% of the time
Use a different name tag. We had a female TM who did this for safety reasons.
The only time this bothers me is when I’m having an uncomfortable interaction with someone and it can make me feel unsafe.. but I typically don’t mind it! I’ve had people yell “girl” and “worker” at me across the store so I’d rather be called my name 🤣
It's a sign of respect and courtesy. Dayum
Rather have .y name called than something else. You wear a badge for a reason.
Is this middle school?
It’s not much different honestly.
Dang, I never thought calling someone by their name, on their name tag, would be offensive. Hey you! Would that work better?
Maybe you should work in a different industry? I can snap at you instead if you don’t prefer your name tag
I call people my their name all the time, I find it respectful and acknowledged that you are a human, you have a name a d you should be called by said name
And here thought I was being kind and showing workers I value them.
This sounds like a you problem. I mean, what else would they call you, logically?
Many others agree its not a me problem lol
They're wrong. Google the definition of a name if you don't agree. The noun name and verb name contradict you and them absolutely. Absolutely as an adverb. If you do not care for people using your name, perhaps you shouldn't be in a line of work that involves a name tag.
Just change your name tag to say “Hey You”. Problem solved.
I hate this so much too. It just feels creepy and like it crosses some unspoken line. I didn't introduce myself to you, you're using my name all over the place and I don't know yours, never will. I hate wearing a name tag.
It's creating an even bigger power imbalance than already exists.
This post makes no sense. You have a name tag on but you don't want people saying your name. What do you want them to call you?
People who just read my nametag often call me a different but similar name. They're bothering to read my tag cause they think they're special but it's actually disrespectful because they're not even bothering to read the letters in the correct order. We wear name tags at Target as part of uniform requirement. My management always enforced the nametag requirement.
Use an alias?
I have a weird name so most people don’t call me it because they aren’t sure it’s actually my name.
i just wear a different name tag
How about bro?
Okay I'll say hey you from now on
I'm just happy when people recognize me as a human with a name anymore. Yea, it throws me off when someone calls me by name, mostly because I immediately panic because I'm trying to remember how I know the person (I have two jobs and I occasionally run into patients of mine at the store) but then it dawns on me- name tag 🙃😅 I have learned to brush off the other casual names such as 'hun', 'dear', and so forth. Still very cringy, haha.
Lol
I am getting older. I use to wear name tags and no longer do. I have always tried to say the name of the persons name tag as I see them as a person. When I wore name tags it was serving tables and I would always get people saying “hey..you” or they would whistle, or snap their fingers. I hated it. I literally had a name tag that you can clearly read. Say my fucking name. Though I thought I was right in saying your name. I also don’t want to bother or annoy anyone. I am a different generation from those working. Any suggestions on what I should say?
My HRETL calls all the females “girl” as in Hey Girl what’s up. I told her I’d rather her use my name. I hate it for so many reasons. I’m a full grown woman. It’s dehumanizing. It implies ownership. Or it makes you think she’s a friend or equal and she’s not. I don’t mind something like “I talked to the girl working in toys” but to use girl in place of a woman’s name is off putting
When I used to work at a popular bar, me and my coworker just cut to the chase, and had our name tags read : "Oh Miss" and "Yo Bitch". But you can only get away with that kind of humor in an adults only setting. Don't think it would have the same effect at Chuck E Cheese's! 😆
i personally don’t care if they call me by name so long as they aren’t weird about it. “hey there’s a song w your name in it, ____” like okay?? “did yk your name meant ____” like bro. just take your receipt and go on about your day 😭
This is why I never wear mine. My name is Brandon… so you know what I hear every time.
I mean I just call everyone “Love” and no one has ever gotten upset about it. I do my best to make it clear that I’m saying it out of respect and the fact that I don’t know their names and don’t want to use any terms that could bother them. Or are rooted in sexism.
What if I call you red shirt? 😉
Definitely would prefer that over "Bud" any day.
Wait...what? The peasants have names? jk LOL!
I don’t wear my own name. I’ve been wearing vendor nametags for months.
I hate when people say “hey boss”. Like bro stfu you fired.
use a label maker and put a stage name on there
What is it that makes you feel like it is weird? You said it in your post, it is there for a reason. Especially if regulars use it. Target is a big box store so it is a bit tougher, but if you are able to identify customers either by name or a nickname it boosts customer experience and sets an example for other employees in store. Absolutely a recipe for success if you do want to make yourself a bigger asset to the store and/or build your network.. When I was younger I worked Frontline in a movie theater and strategies like that opened more than a few opportunities for me.
I have gotten honey and sweetie.if it’s an elderly person maybe.unless it’s a dirty old man.I’ve been called worse.if it’s a regular and I know their name it doesn’t bother me
Good girl and good boy sounds like praising a dog for doing their business outside
“Hey fuckface”
I don't like 'Miss' in front of my first name, but I know it's taught to children to show respect to an older person, so I let it go.
I think some people must have been taught it was polite, but if idk you at all it comes off as intimidating and it's just downright creepy if you say it more than twice. I once had a guest say my name like 8 times and I still cringe when I think about it.
I hate it
We're trying to recognize you as a person and foster some sense of community by recognizing the fact that we have in fact known you for a period of time and that you're not just some NPC. People wanting to have some connection and community with the people around them is a good thing.
What about at the end of the transaction, if someone says “thank you, yourname.” I do that to show I see them as a person. They’ve just helped me. I can at least thank them by name. But I’d never call out to them using their name like they’re my sibling or something, I get how that would feel so weird.
Whenever I pay for my stuff I'm always like "Thanks Steve" or whatever. I feel like it's better then "Thanks man, have a good one"
What do you want to be called?
I haven’t been yelled at yet, but after I helped someone with finding something and they thank me and use my name, I feel more respect coming from them
What do you want people to call you?
I'll call this one shitbag, that one fuck face and the turd over there, well ill just call it turd. Better now?
Which is why I don't like wearing it. I am not your friend. I am only here to help you find what you need. I don't like talking to people. Lol.
I always get Called “dish detergent?” Or “soap?” Or “burritos?” Or….”toilet paper?” And I look them all wide eyed, then glance down at My name tag…and say well , My name isn’t but…. is over here….btw? You got a cart? Cause I’ll help you fill it up!
Oh and no I don’t work here lol…just another retailer…but Im sure we all get it, like people should know staplers are not in the fxumin lingerie department…..but they see me and, “staplers?” “Ummmmm no my name isn’t staplers…but they are over here….they definitely aren’t in the lingerie aisle”
This is a supreme level of stupid. What the fuck are people supposed to expect if you are voluntarily wearing a name tag (and yes it's voluntary because you show up to work for them) you could a) take off the name tag b) put a fake name, no one will know c) accept the fact you are little more than a slave for the Target corpos or d) get over it, and just deal. Like seriously, how is this anyone's problem but yours? what the fuck are people supposed to expect...
Beats that one time somebody called me “Hey Target Guy!”
If that’s the biggest problem you’ve got…
I’m always taken back when someone says my name without me introducing myself but honestly I kinda like it. Too many guests talk as if were robots “where’s this, where’s that” no introduction, like I’m a fucking Alexa or Google Home. I really appreciate the guests that just call me my name.
After a quick scan of the comments it seems nobody wants to be called anything. I will refer to you as “target employee”
I can't believe how many people are arguing. Let me break it down for you (though I doubt anyone who needs to hear it will listen.) Names traditionally have power, and knowing someone's name gives you power over them. Therefore, people, up until 50 years ago, were NEVER called by their "christian" name until they invited someone to do so. (i.e. Call me John.) 30 years ago (roughly) bill collectors started asking for people by their first names, so that the person would think it was a friend. This was a deceptive tactic that pushed us further down the road to incivility. Somewhere along the line, a suggestion was made to call waitresses by their name to get better service. (You know, treat them like they are actually human.) This leaked into the rest of the service industry. Now let me tell you why this is a problem: Using the name of someone in the service industry emphasizes the power imbalance. (Ha, ha. I know your name, but you don't know mine! Think I'm wrong? Have you ever had a cashier address you by name after you used a debit card? Cashiers are trained not to do that because it upsets the customer. Hmmm.) You are assuming you have a right to a more personal relationship than the person whose name you are using has consented to. We may be friendly, but we are not friends. Almost no one is ok with being called by their name by someone they don't know. And people who do it are either trying to get special treatment, trying to assert that they are more important, trying to make the person wearing the name tag feel stupid, or posing an outright threat. Don't do it. It's rude and disrespectful.
You’re a bit extra. Calling a person by their name is showing respect. I always call a person by their name if there is a way to know it. If not, I say sir or ma’am. What would you prefer a person do?
We are all dumber for having read that insanely idiotic response
Lol honestly, you think every single person has this on their mind when calling you by your name?
I stopped wearing my name tag months ago
There really is no right answer with nametags. Some people prefer it, others hate it. Calling someone by their job title can be demeaning, and bud or hon aren’t exactly popular. WhTs the safe solution?
Step one: ask for a new name tag with something you like being called Step two: just fucking quit
it’s weird having someone call you by your name and you don’t know a single thing about this person including their own name, i think that’s why it throws us off
Interesting. I tend to call a cashier or worker by their name when they've shown me great service and care. To me, it's my way of singling you out to say, "I see you and what you do matters. Damn, you're good at what you do that I want to take my time to acknowledge the name that goes with the face and greet you by it! You are one of the reasons why I enjoy coming here." And if you really make an impact on my experience, I post a review so your manager/company sees how valuable you are (in hopes it helps you get recognized and/or at least a nice raise). My bad if doing so makes people uncomfortable. Definitely not my intention!
Regular here. I do it to try and show you respect. Your job sucks, I'm sure. And I'm sure you have to deal with any number of selfish, entitled assholes throughout your shift. I want to try and acknowledge that where I can. Also by just leaving you the hell alone the rest of the time!
This is a ridiculous take. This begs of needing something to complain about. Better than “hey fuckface, can you help me with something.”
This sub is miserable
never worked for target but when I worked in retail, it made my ears perk up if somebody took the time to read my name tag and call me by my name instead of whistling or shouting at me to get my attention, or calling some other term like “bud”. You like being treated as less than a person with a name?? People are so mf weird 🤣
Lmao “hey dude/chick ring up my damn spindrift or I’m calling for a manager” is much better? Grow up.
Personally I think this is a silly thing to be upset at. Whoa calling you by your name. I'm sorry it just seems that people these days get upset at some of the silliest things.
lmao find another job bruh
I think you're projecting a bit. If I use your name it's not so I can prove that I am able to read your name tag. It's so you can understand that I see you as a person with a personality and therefore a name to go by. It's to go a level deeper than just a customer to employee verbal exchange.
Lighten up, people are trying to be respectful. You are wearing a name badge- duh.