In a recent letter to advice columnist R. Eric Thomas, a boomer working in an office environment expressed frustration with remembering and pronouncing unfamiliar names when new people are hired. The writer, a first-generation immigrant with a unique last name, shared their own experience of spelling out and pronouncing their name for others to make it understandable.
The writer questioned why some individuals assume their unusual names are well-known and do not make an effort to clarify them further. Thomas advised the reader to ask for help when encountering a difficult-to-pronounce last name, suggesting a simple approach such as, “I want to make sure I get your name right; can you spell it for me?”
Thomas highlighted the importance of understanding that what may seem unusual to one person is perfectly normal to another. He also pointed out that not everyone may feel the need to clarify their name, as it may make them feel self-conscious or different.
Readers were encouraged to send their own questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or through mail at P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Thomas also invited readers to follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter on rericthomas.com for more advice and content.
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