Calling older people by their first name? (company, nursing, change)

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by CSD610

I am 52 and I NEVER assume it is okay to use someone's first name who I have just met or have only met a few times who are older than me. I address them as Mrs. or Miss or Sir until I am told specifically by them that I can use their first name.

Good for you, you show respect, that makes you worthy of respect.

[GiantRutgersfan]

It would be very odd to call a coworker you see every day "Mr. ----"

You are an adult, they are an adult. refer to them by their name.... Basic social skills

[maus]

Other than maybe in a school work setting where the environment is supposed to be more formal for children, I think most co-workers of any age would prefer you to address them by their first name.

[manderly6]

I don't recall ever hearing anyone addressed as Mr. or Ms. in all my years of working that wasn't in jest.

[Fran66]

Originally Posted by CSD610

I am 52 and I NEVER assume it is okay to use someone's first name who I have just met or have only met a few times who are older than me. I address them as Mrs. or Miss or Sir until I am told specifically by them that I can use their first name.

I agree -- and I am 64!

Usually everyone says, at first introduction, "Call me by my first name ____" or "My first name is _____" or "My name is Jane Johnson. Please call me Jane." But if they don't, I address them by their last name. And if they never tell me to call them by their first name, I know I've made the right choice.

You can never go wrong by addressing an older person by their first name at first introduction. You can step in it the other way.

I REALLY don't like it when a young person calls me by my first name right off -- or "Sweetie" or "Honey".

[vaughanwilliams]

I insist that my younger co-workers address me as Your Highness.

Seriously, being called Mr.--- by my co-workers would creep me out.

[manderly6]

Originally Posted by vaughanwilliams

I insist that my younger co-workers address me as Your Highness.

Seriously, being called Mr.--- by my co-workers would creep me out.

I think in most settings today that would be true. And anyone that would get upset with a co-worker using their first name probably needs to look at a calendar and realize it isn't 1950.

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by manderly6

And anyone that would get upset with a co-worker using their first name probably needs to look at a calendar and realize it isn't 1950.

Are you arguing that being current makes something correct?

[manderly6]

Originally Posted by Irishtom29

Are you arguing that being current makes something correct?

I'm arguing that times have changed. It is now normal to call people by their first names in a work setting. Do you disagree with that?

[Howard Roark]

I remember back when I was your age I had the same question. That was way long ago. The answer? Please do call us by our first name! We are all adults. You are an adult. A child would call me Mr. Roark (not my real last name actually). A person older than 18 would call me Howard.

Originally Posted by YodaChoda7891

Is it acceptable to call people who are much older than you by their first name?

I'm 25, they are at least 45, and I do not know them very well...but I noticed a few others call them by their first name...