If you don't know how to spell someone's name

Pebble_Cafe

Would it be better to put Ms. FirstInitial or attempt spelling FirstName and risk completely butchering it?

This is 'debate' DH and I had this morning.

I was filling out our DCP and her assistance's Christmas cards. The assistant has an uncommon first name that I have no clue how to spell. DH suggested just sounding it out "I'm sure she'll understand", "People don't care about stuff like that" he says!

Then he proceeds to tease me about 'caring way too much about this' as I looked through some newsletters/flyers our DCP sends home. I was hoping the assistant's name appeared in it. No luck.

Now, my first name is constantly being spelled wrong. It doesn't really bother me but I am (or try to be) considerate of getting others names right.

On my way to work I had a "D'oh!" moment. I could have saved myself the annoyance (w/DH) and called my DCP and asked.

bunch

I would call the DCP and find out the correct spelling.  I am beyond annoyed when people misspell my name, and its not even difficult (Ann-my spelling vs Anne)

Pebble_Cafe

Agreed. That would have been ideal if I had thought about it beforehand. As it was it occurred to me after I was already on my way to work. DH dropped off the girls w/the gifts.

danandkelly

I try to be cognicent of how people spell their names.  Especially if it is a friend or family member.  For someone that I don't know really well (like the DCP's assistant) I wouldn't fret over it too much.  I'd just spell it the way that seems most reasonable and hope she isn't offended.

If someone spelled my name wrong (which happens on occaision) I wouldn't be upset, you're being thoughtful by giving her a gift anyhow.

chedder143

The only time it bothers me when someone misspells my name is when I'm at Starbucks. 

I tell them Josie ... spell it out J-O-S-I-E

They still write Jose.

Then when my drink is ready, the barista yells VERY clearly, "Jose!  Jose your drink is ready!"

Then I walk sheepishly to retrieve my drink only to feel the other patrons eyes, who I am sure are wondering why MY name is Jose.

Pebble_Cafe

chedder143:

They still write Jose.

Seriously?? That terrible (just a tiny funny) but terrible!

SeasonalCook

chedder143:

The only time it bothers me when someone misspells my name is when I'm at Starbucks. 

I tell them Josie ... spell it out J-O-S-I-E

They still write Jose.

Then when my drink is ready, the barista yells VERY clearly, "Jose!  Jose your drink is ready!"

Then I walk sheepishly to retrieve my drink only to feel the other patrons eyes, who I am sure are wondering why MY name is Jose.

Jose! That's too funny. You're clearly NOT a Jose!

People always misspell my name. It's spelled Bethany and I get all kinds of variations - Bethanie, Bethenie, Betheny, Bethaney...etc.

What bugs a little bit is when I'm called Becky or Britney. Which happens more than you'd think.

Lexi & Orion's Mommy

my name is sooo twisted that i just deal. Now its funny to hear people try and figure it out. And not one person EVER has spelled it correctly on  the 1st try. (that didnt already know me) 

tri_bride05

I have a common name with an uncommon (though not unheard of) spelling. My married last name is the same way. People always spell it wrong and now my last name too. I don't really care and rarely spell it out for them since they have the traditional spelling stuck in their heads and get confused by my spelling. I know it bugs some people so I'll usually ask if I don't know.