Mistaken Identity

“Here you go, Christine,” she said cheerily, showing the salad to me.

I paused, wondering if I should correct her, not wanting to ruin her usual optimistic way. Another guy looked over at my direction giving me a knowing look. Several people overheard, but nobody said anything.

Beat.

But instead I said thanks and took a spoonful of salad onto my plate.

A few moments later when everyone had departed for the front of the room. I said in a low voice, “I didn’t want to embarrass you, but I am Jennifer.”

She looked a little embarrassed and apologized. Then she asked me to point out the names of other people around.

Well, mistaken identity. Being asian, because all asians look alike, I often have been called the wrong name. I would like to think I am unique with my features so clearly distinct as me. But in reality, that’s not so.

Should I have corrected her earlier at that moment or wait as long as I did? Or rather let her figure out herself?

4 thoughts on “Mistaken Identity

  1. But it happens so often and sooner or later, she’ll realize it.

    And in the end, does it matter whether she knows my name or not?

    It’s one of those things…if you’re in a social situation and someone says something inaccurate (say the wrong name of a band), then correct them or not? Because you embarrass them for no reason since the fact really is more of a conversation piece than a means to an end.

    But in this case perhaps so that she won’t call me by the wrong name.

  2. really depends on the situation, but i might have said something on the spot. it’s always an awkward moment when you think they know you and they bust out with a different name.. :/

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