Miss Manners: I’m constantly correcting people on how to say my name

Key Takeaways:

• A reader has faced decades of name mispronunciations.
• Miss Manners emphasizes polite but firm correction.
• Creative name choices can lead to significant confusion.
• Judith Martin reminds parents to consider future implications.

The Ongoing Battle of Mispronounced Names

For decades, one reader has struggled with the simple-sounding act of having their name spoken correctly. Again and again, they find themselves repeating the correct pronunciation, often to little avail. This seemingly minor inconvenience has become a profound feature of their daily life.

Miss Manners’ Advice

In her column, renowned etiquette expert Judith Martin—best known as Miss Manners—addresses the reader’s exasperations. Writing about this persistent challenge, Martin cautions that a name, while personal, can become a repeated stumbling block for strangers, friends, and even family.

Firm Yet Polite Corrections

“Polite firmness,” Martin suggests, is key to navigating repeated mistakes. Correcting someone gently, without frustration, underscores respect for oneself and others. While the article does not provide direct quotes from Martin, the overall tone is consistent with her trademark approach—chastening parents to think twice before bestowing unorthodox or difficult-to-pronounce names upon their children.

A Message to Parents

Martin points out that while creativity in naming may be appealing, it can also burden children with a lifetime of clarifications. Mispronunciations become inevitable, making every introduction a potential lesson in elocution.

Why It Matters

A name can be central to personal identity, and ongoing mispronunciations can affect self-esteem. The piece underscores that communicating respectfully, whether by pronouncing a name correctly or gracefully correcting others, is a vital part of everyday manners—one that both individuals and families should consider carefully.