So this is really trivial but it’s also upsetting me, I started a new job about a month ago, everyone is lovely apart from one person who twice now has commented about my name, the first instance was ‘my ex sister in law has the same name as you, I hate that name’ then he said ‘oh your name is in that song ha ha’ then reeled off the singer/band, now I have a pretty common name, it’s an ok name, I got home from work & just wanted to cry, he has a really common name as well, I think that’s pretty rich slagging my name off when you have such a basic name, I just don’t know what to do because he seems quite popular & has been there for years. Or perhaps I’m just being sensitive? I’m not a very confident person & can take things to heart.
Absolutely agree he sounds like a
wick. Maybe fancies you. Maybe knows the HR rules so is making you feel uncomfortable without doing anything he can really be picked up on. Maybe just a man who can’t cope with a woman in a work environment. Maybe is trying to belittle you but isn’t very clever….
It depends how you want to play it.
“That’s a strange thing to say out loud”
“Gosh, it must be strange to be triggered by someone’s name”
“That’s funny, I’ve never heard anyone mention my name before, odd that you should more than once”
“Is there something you’d like to discuss?”
“Can we draw a line under this name thing? You seem to find it amusing but I find it odd and uncomfortable. I’d prefer if we could move past this”
“It feels like you’re belittling me, is there a reason for that?”
“I always think that song helps people remember my name, I’m sorry, what was your name again? I forget?”
“You’ve mentioned my name a few times now, I’m not comfortable with that. Perhaps you can address me as Miss/Mrs Bozlem if it makes you more comfortable”
“I find find it quite bizarre how you keep mentioning my name, I guess your ex SIL must’ve hurt you and I’m sorry about that”
“Is there something I can help you with? You seem to want my attention?”
Or if he’s just a thicko, just, when no one’s around…

“How about you don’t mention my name and I don’t mention your hairline/breath/shoes?”