ABSTRACT
We live in a world of strange familiarities. When going to a restaurant these days, the server introduces him or herself by first name, inviting the patron to speak in a personal and somewhat familiar way with them. When placing a carryout order, the vendor prefers that you use your first name to identify yourself, and upon arrival, you may hear them say, “Sally is in the house!” letting the staff know you’re there to pick up your order. When calling an 800 number for technical support, the technician wants to know your first name and in turn offers his or her first name. This implies an intimacy that does not truly exist. When did it become 212acceptable to apply the rules typically used with friends and family to relationships that are casual, professional, or commercial?
