The Pakistani guys in my local 7-11 store would always call me “Boss.” I would gently upbraid them, explaining that my name is Joe and that they needn’t call me “Boss.”

The funniest of these guys is named “Win.” Whenever I would see him, I’d exclaim, “Win-win!” And he would smile and say, “Yes, it’s a win-win situation.”

This morning Win was particularly harried and after he bagged my stuff, he said, “Thank you, Boss-man.” Then he looked up at me, did a slight double-take and said, “No, sorry, not Bossman…” I said, “You can call me Joe-man.”

He smiled, nodding as he looked down, like he should have remembered. I politely explained that the connotations of the word have a tortured history in our country, particularly for African Americans and prison populations. I tried to point out that the address was subservient and he should treat me as an equal. Then I added, “Besides you’re Win-win!”

He laughed and I think appreciated it. Or maybe he thinks I’m a royal pain. This morning at the pool, one of the swimmers called me “Sir.” What is it with these guys? I remember I used to say that when I wanted to please someone. A couple of times I’ve told this swim-mate of mine that he can call me Joe, but he persists.

What do you say when someone calls you “Boss?” or “Sir?”