My coworker calls me by a nickname, I prefer “Mr. Harris”
Editors' DilemmaOctober 28, 2026· Be the first to vote
A story made up by our editors to get the debate going, not a real account.
My side
I’m in my fifties and I just joined a young startup where everyone goes by first names, even the CEO. At work, I call people Mr. or Ms. and their last name. It’s a habit, almost a comfort: it keeps a little distance, and I always do it with a smile. A 26-year-old coworker introduced himself on day one with: “Around here, it’s first names, man!” I said I preferred Mr. Harris, without forcing it on him. Since then, he calls me Rob, I call him Mr. Lopez, and our conversations sound like a stage play. He finally told me it makes the team vibe a little weird.
Their side
My coworker feels first names are part of the company culture, and that new hires are told about it in the interview. To him, it’s not about being overly familiar, just about working as equals. When I call him Mr. Lopez while he calls me Rob, he feels like he comes across as rude, or like a student talking to his teacher. He’d like us to pick the same rule, whichever one.
So, who's wrong?
One vote per person. Results show up after you vote.