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I think it's funny as he!!. I do the same as "Bill" does. I went so long at a store that I began answering to what they thought my name was. They felt terrible, I thought it was funny.
When you think about it, he must be a pretty good guy to let you keep calling him by the wrong name without getting his shorts all tied in a knot and making you feel foolish.
We all make faux pas in life. Thank him for being so easygoing about it and ask him if you can be the only person in the world who calls him Bill, like it's a special honor for both of you.
I have a platonic friendship with a lady that goes back over 45 years. I call her by her family nickname that no one else ever calls her because I've known her since we were teenagers. She calls me by a nickname version of my real name that no one else has ever called me, even my wife. When we email or send greeting cards we both use the others formal "adult" real name, but when we're together in person we call each other by the nickname. All kinds of stuff develops in longterm friendships.
That is hysterical!!!! I just love it. The idea that he's allowed you to call him by the wrong name for so long just makes me smile. Sounds like a nice man, who has never wanted to embarrass you. I'd say something. If he had been offended, he'd have said something 10 years ago. You two can now have a great laugh over this. And, maybe he likes having another name - not all of us get to try out new names.
I am sure he feels just as awkward as you do. It probably has gotten so long he feels silly to say anything to you. Just apologize and be over it. It will make a great laugh.
I would just call him by his real name and just let it ride.. I know I have been called a different name a time or two.. and I just let it roll... the girl eventually called me by my real name.. but what the hey.. call me Joe Blow if you want.. just dont call me late for dinner!!
I once referred to my current GF by the name of one of her best friends; a girl who happens to be one of my friends as well and whom I have known for like four years prior to meeting my GF. The GF and I were only together for a few months at that time, and I swear on everything Holy that I do not, nor did I ever, have an attraction to her friend.
I also referred to the GF I had prior to my current GF by the name of a former GF from years ago. Then there was one time when I completely forgot her name. Why? I dunno. My defense was that I was drunk
Then again, when I was younger I always forgot people's names--even my best friends and kids that I hung out with on a daily basis. I would just draw a blank and for the life of me could not recall their name. I knew them, how I knew them, how good of friends we were and all of that--just at times not their names. Kind of annoying. It's not my memory as I can recall instances from the past in almost exact detail and one time I got off the train in a random city in Poland, had an awesome time, then five years later I was back in Poland and remembered which stop to get off at, how far to walk down street X before turning this way or that way, etc. I dunno, I remember things and not names. I give directions by landmarks and unless I am totally familiar with an area I need to receive directions by either distances or landmarks as well.
So, to answer the OP's question. Just play it cool. Claim to be stoned if that helps
i just find it wierd that he didn't correct you on that a loooooong time ago...
I am in this same situation but on Fred's end. We have lived in our new home for over a year and a half. My one neighbor calls me by Jenny which is no where near my real name. Tried having my husband call me by real name really loud in her presence, tried having the kids do it. Finally gave up, she still calls me Jenny to this day and I answer to it. I personally don't want to embarrass her over it. If she ever figures it out, I will just let it go. Life is too short to worry over it.
Thanks for all the responses. I guess he's been embarrassed to say anything either. Anyway, I guess I'll take a deep breath and tell him I realized what I've been doing. He is a very nice man.
After reading movingtohouston's post I wondered if he made up the phone call to give me a clue.....
I have a guy that calls me Shawn, which is nowhere near my real name. I have actually been talking to other people and him at the same time, and they use my real name infront of him. But it never fails, every day he says "Hey Shawn!" and I have to say good morning. I don't bother correcting him... I mean, at least he says hi at all I guess.
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