Buckle up, folks! We’ve got a juicy workplace drama unfolding that’s sure to get your blood boiling! In one corner, we have Dennis, a laid-back guy who’s been with the company for six years. In the other corner, there’s the new hire, “Ms. Potter,” who’s causing quite a stir with her insistence on formalities. Is Dennis being an a-hole for refusing to play along, or is Ms. Potter overstepping her bounds? Let’s dive into this tangled web of office politics and see if we can untangle the mess! ️
A Laid-Back Company Culture

No Need for Formalities!

Enter Ms. Potter

“Good afternoon, this is Ms. Potter speaking.” ️

“Good morning, Ginny!”

Company Hierarchy 101

Disrespect or Demand?

♂️ Boss Thinks It’s Idiotic

Wife’s Perspective: Am I the A-hole?

♂️ My Counterpoint: Equal Treatment

Office Showdown: First Names vs. Formalities!
In this epic battle of wills, Dennis finds himself at odds with the new hire, “Ms. Potter,” who insists on being addressed formally despite the company’s laid-back culture. While Dennis and his boss think it’s ridiculous for someone so low in the hierarchy to make such demands, others simply ignore the issue and let her call herself whatever she wants. But when Dennis’s wife suggests he might be an a-hole for antagonizing Ms. Potter, he’s left wondering if he’s in the right. ♂️ The internet has spoken, and the verdict is in! Let’s see what they have to say about this office drama that’s got everyone talking! ️
Addressing co-worker by title sparks debate. YTA called out.
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Use her preferred name, she’s not below you. YTA

Respect boundaries and avoid gossiping about coworkers.

Woman calls out disrespect for not using formal name, gets dismissed

Debate on formal address in casual work environment.

Insightful response from Ask a Manager with helpful links

Calling someone ‘Ms.’ is old-fashioned? Commenter calls out high-maintenance behavior

Addressing coworkers professionally is important for workplace etiquette

Addressing colleagues with respect is crucial in the workplace. YTA.

Addressing by name is fine, but she’s too picky ♂️

Mismatched company culture and attire, potential short-term employment

Formalities are a sign of respect, don’t let ego take over

Opposing view of company culture with a hint of entitlement

Breaking office hierarchy: CEO called by first name. NTA wins.

Being too formal at work? NTA thinks so

User calls out OP for disrespecting boundaries and not understanding women
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NTA shuts down entitled demand to be called ‘Ms. Potter’
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Addressing someone correctly costs nothing. YTA, just call her Ms.

Title vs Name preference: NTA defends using formalities at work
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Is it necessary to address coworkers by their marital status?

NAH. Ginny may prefer formalities, but can’t demand it.

Respecting formalities in the workplace without being hypocritical

NTA defends use of ‘Ms.’ title, but acknowledges it’s a choice

Naming conventions causing office etiquette nightmare. NTA, but difficult situation.

New employee insists on being called Ms. and not NTA.

Corporate culture clash: NAH but OP needs to find a creative solution

Respect preferred name in the workplace to avoid discomfort

Consensus: NAH. Both parties could improve communication and compromise.

Respectful workplace communication is important, YTA for not complying.

Using no names in emails to avoid tension in the workplace

“Ms. Potter” deserves respect, but should address the issue professionally

Newbie disrupts company culture, faces consequences. Fit in or leave.

Hierarchy matters in a professional environment, NTA for not demanding titles.

Respect in the workplace shouldn’t depend on hierarchy YTA

NTA suggests not addressing colleague by name to avoid conflict ♂️

Is it disrespectful to not address someone as ‘Ms.’?

Suggests having a respectful conversation to clarify and resolve issue

Passive-aggressive name-calling might be the solution here ♀️

Embrace the quirkiness! Don’t be a stick-in-the-mud manager. YTA.

NTA for not addressing coworker as ‘Ms.’ in informal workplace

Addressing coworkers respectfully is important, YTA.

Generational differences may be at play. NTA, but communicate kindly.

Company culture matters and insisting on being called Ms. Potter is a power play. NTA.

Age doesn’t always mean formality. NTA for using first names.

User calls out seniority complex in office etiquette dispute YTA

OP is passive aggressive for not addressing Ms. Potter directly

Respecting cultural differences in office communication preferences.

First name basis culture at work. NTA for not using titles.
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Refusing to address someone by their title is rude

Cultural differences may explain formality expectations, worth considering

Addressing company culture fit, not a personal offense

Addressing someone by their title is common courtesy

Addressing colleagues informally creates atmosphere of equality. NTA.

Calling her Ms. Potter isn’t hard, just apologize and comply

Calling a colleague by their last name – NTA

Is it weird to address some as Ms./Mr. in office?

NTA, company dynamic shouldn’t shift for her. Personal preference irrelevant.

Addressing by first name is fair game in informal setting.

A problematic coworker demands formal address, NTA for refusing

Respect her name, YTA. Don’t be antagonistic

Ignoring someone’s name preference makes you TA ♀️

Respectful communication is key in the workplace

Addressing colleagues by their preferred titles is important, but communication is key.

Addressing a co-worker with respect is important, YTA.

Being formal or informal at work depends on company culture

Formality at work is weird and not a societal norm

Addressing someone by their preferred title isn’t difficult

Addressing an older black woman at work: finding a compromise

A unique take on addressing colleagues professionally, without titles

Just call her Ms. Potter and move on. YTA

Worker defends not using formal titles, calls out power trip. NTA

Respect costs nothing, addressing someone as they want is crucial. YTA

Compromise and respect each other’s preferences. Soft YTA.

A Black southerner struggles with using first names for superiors.

Male coworker refuses to address female colleague as ‘Ms.’

“YTA, bud.” Employee insists on being called “Ms. Last Name”
