Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Name Etiquette

Ryan and I have been having a disagreement over the etiquette of names.
It all started when Ryan got sucked into listening to a long, impassioned sales pitch from a mall kiosk carnie. Me, never interested in facial products sold out of middle of the walk-way kiosks, kept moving to find another window to look in. (I might also add that I would rather be left alone in EVERY store unless I have a specific question begging an answer). The man pitching to Ryan asks, "What is your wife's name?" When Ryan tells him, the man turns and calls to me (I am 15-20 feet away) "Kari, come here." I was irritated and refused to have anything to do with the visit.
Ryan thinks I over-reacted. I think that no one has the right to use my name unless they have been introduced in some manner. I considered his actions rude and past the point of pushy. He was using my name as if we were friends and not just passing strangers.
Ryan did tell him my opinions on his actions and why it offended me. Any thoughts on proper etiquette? I say it is rude to use someone's first name until you are properly introduced--either by yourself or another person.