A friend who consistently refuses to call you by your name but readily calls other friends in the group by their names might be displaying signs of disrespect or insensitivity towards you. Such behavior can be hurtful and may indicate a lack of consideration for your feelings or a disregard for the importance of addressing someone by their name.
Here are some possible reasons why this friend might behave this way:
Lack of Respect: They might not respect you as much as they do other friends in the group, leading to a dismissive attitude towards using your name.
Indifference: They might not feel particularly close to you or may not value your friendship as much as they do with others, which can result in them not bothering to use your name.
Unconscious Bias: In some cases, this behavior could be a result of unconscious biases they hold towards you, which affects their behavior subconsciously.
Social Dynamics: It's possible that this person is trying to establish a certain power dynamic within the group by not addressing you by your name.
Inconsiderate Habits: They may have developed a habit of not using your name, and it's possible they don't realize how hurtful it can be.
Regardless of the reason, if this behavior bothers you, it's important to address the issue with your friend. Here's what you can do:
Communicate: Have an open and honest conversation with your friend about how their behavior makes you feel. Choose a calm and non-confrontational setting to express your concerns.
Express your feelings: Let them know that being addressed by your name is important to you and that it hurts when they choose not to use it while addressing others.
Ask for their perspective: Give them the opportunity to explain their behavior. Sometimes, people might not be aware of how their actions are perceived by others.
Set boundaries: If their behavior continues despite your conversation, consider setting boundaries. Spend time with them in group settings if that's more comfortable for you, but limit one-on-one interactions if their actions consistently bother you.
Evaluate the friendship: Take a step back and evaluate the overall dynamics of your friendship. If this behavior is part of a pattern of disrespect or insensitivity, you may need to reevaluate the level of friendship you want to maintain with this person.
Talk to other friends: If you feel comfortable, talk to other friends in the group about how you feel. They might provide support and understanding, and they could also help address the issue as a united group.
Remember, a genuine and healthy friendship should be built on respect, consideration, and mutual care for each other's feelings. It's okay to expect to be treated with respect, including being addressed by your name. If this friend fails to show consideration for your feelings, it may be a sign that the friendship is not as strong or meaningful as it should be.