workplace overeaction?

**Russ B** · 27-04-2005, 10:30

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4485497.stm

Anyone think that this is just a little bit of an overeaction?

Simon M · 27-04-2005, 10:33

You could be right .... mate

**Russ B** · 27-04-2005, 10:35

That degrades me!! I demand you stop calling me that!!!

Nugget · 27-04-2005, 10:36

But darling! Why so angry? You're normally a complete sweetheart!

Simon M · 27-04-2005, 10:45

Now Darling, there's no need for such a complete overreaction, now is there Love. I mean mate, I could take offence to your reaction, couldn't I Pet.

Listen Chuck, we should just sit down and sort this out, don't you agree Duck, I mean, i know you're a complete sweetheart really.

I'm sure that your persona as the welsh Babe magnet will be harmed by this obvious outpouring of anger. You'll no longer be seen as a honey, or potential lover.

**Russ B** · 27-04-2005, 10:46

Oh sod off

Nugget · 27-04-2005, 10:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ D

Oh sod off

Well, you've obviously never been to a petting zoo, have you love?

**Russ B** · 27-04-2005, 10:48

I concede defeat SO easily

27-04-2005, 10:59

I actually find random strangers using the term "mate" to be highly annoying. I don`t know them, probability is that I wouldn`t want to be friends with them, so why do they feel the need to use the word "mate"?

**Russ B** · 27-04-2005, 11:03

It's a friendly term - I certainly would not feel comfortable having a new colleague calling me "Sir" or "Mr David".

philip.j.fry · 27-04-2005, 11:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ D

It's a friendly term - I certainly would not feel comfortable having a new colleague calling me "Sir" or "Mr David".

27-04-2005, 11:12

Whinging ole welsh

27-04-2005, 11:20

I can fully understand how some people may it find patronising.

For example if a woman or man has worked their way up to a high management level. I am definitely postive they would not take kindly to being called "love" or "son".

It shows a lack of respect and unprofessionalism.

If someone I didn't know on a personal level (and this has happened) during work called me "mate"

They would get what I dished out the last time and that would be.

"excuse me, but I'm not your mate and it's Mr ******"

**Russ B** · 27-04-2005, 11:23

I understand your point about someone at management level but why would you be like that with a peer? Do you not think it's meant to be a sign of friendliness? If someone came back at me with "I'm not your mate" then the instant reply from me would be along the lines of "No, looks like you probably never will be, either".

IMO there's nothing wrong in trying to make the workplace a little less formal where appropriate.

27-04-2005, 11:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pierre

If someone I didn't know on a personal level (and this has happened) during work called me "mate"

Round these parts 'mate' is very much a normal thing, so nothing I'd get too worked up about.

These are very much regional - what doesn't work in one place is normal in another.