Giving people nicknames is a pastime of mine. First of all, it unleashes my creativity and secondly it makes people feel special. Well, most of the time. But more importantly, nicknames disarm confusion.
Let me explain. Obviously, many people have the same name. So programming several Chris’ into your cell phone could make for a disaster if they aren’t differentiated with a last name (boring) or the one you created (funny).
A co-worker of mine learned this the hard way. Within a week she met two guys with the same name; Jake. Without thinking, she entered their numbers into her phone under the simple description: Jake. Anyway, Jake called to ask her out for coffee. She really liked one of the Jakes, so naturally he was the one who was on her mind and instinctively she said, “Yes!”
But a few minutes after hanging up, she remembered the other Jake. Uh-oh, did she just agree to go out with the Jake she met at the airport or the work conference? She only took Conference Jake’s number for networking purposes. Well, that’s what she told herself anyway. I think it was just to be “nice.” Anyhoo, she had her fingers crossed it was Airport Jake.
It wasn’t. But, being the sport that she is, my co-worker sipped an adieu latte with Conference Jake. Unfortunately Airport Jake never called but just to be on the safe side, his number is now programmed under: HiJaked.
