It’s not a childhood trauma thing. I had a decent upbringing. I’ve been like this all my life. I’ll talk about people using their name to others when the named person isn’t around, but I avoid using their name as a vocative to their face.

Same thing with people using my name. I don’t mind people summoning me by calling my name, but I cringe when people use my name as a vocative in front of me. I also get irritated when people I don’t know and have no intention of establishing a relationship with use my name.

I worked in a call center and we had the usual opening “thank you for calling _____ my name is early_riser, how can I help you?” I assumed the unspoken rule was that I’m giving my name so the client can later refer to me in complaints or commendations, not because I want to establish anything more than a client-employee relationship. Also, I always use “sir” or “ma’am” when addressing clients, and hope they reciprocate that respect.

Edit:

Yes I know what names are for. Also “angry” was too strong a word. I don’t lash out at people when they do this. I understand that people are trying to be friendly when they use my name and that the irritation is unwarranted, but it’s there and I want to know why.

  • blockheadjt@sh.itjust.works
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    11 hours ago

    I use names when specificity is needed. E.g., if I’m in a room with two other people, and I want to address only one of them, I’ll use a name (or nickname if there is one) to clarify who I am addressing.

    If I’m in a room with only one other person, then using a name to address them would be redundant, unless I am not getting their attention otherwise (e.g., they’re engrossed in a book).