[OldPossum]

I was in the eye clinic waiting room with my wife, who heard my first name "Fred" called out - - unfortunately I didn't hear it at all. I remarked something to my wife about this new custom of calling us old geezers by our first name

I am from the South and have noticed this "custom" among staff at doctors' offices. Your post reminds me of something I have been intending to do: notify the front office and have them understand that I am 70 years old and do not appreciate being addressed by the familiar "Joe"; this person should give me a little respect and address me as "Mr. ----."

On a side note, when I was a youngster it never occurred to me to address any adult by his or her first name. And that included all relatives. It just wasn't done.

[OldPossum]

Forgot to note that you could address a relative by his or her first name but only by putting “Aunt” or “Uncle” in front of it.