Call Me By My Name—Or Don’t Call Me at All

There’s one thing that infuriates me beyond words—when people refuse to address me correctly. I am Lelo Klaas, and nothing else. Not “both.” Not “ladies.” Not some generic placeholder that erases my identity. Just Lelo Klaas.

This happens far too often, usually in emails where someone is making a request and addressing both me and my junior. Instead of taking a second to be specific and direct, they default to lazy, impersonal terms like “both” or “ladies.” And I hate it.

If You Don’t Know Who Will Handle It—Figure It Out

If you’re sending an email and don’t know who will handle something, it’s simple:

• Address me and copy my junior. That way, I will delegate if needed.
• Address my junior and copy me. If you think it’s their responsibility, fine—acknowledge them, and I’ll step in if necessary.
• But do not lump us into “both” or “ladies.” I am not a faceless entity in a group. I am Lelo Klaas.

This is not just a preference. It’s about respect and professionalism. If you can take the time to draft an email, then take a second to address people properly. Anything less is dismissive and lazy.

Why Does This Make Me So Angry?

Because I work hard. I have spent years building my career, my expertise, and my reputation. I am not an interchangeable figure in a generic group. I am an individual with a name. When you choose to avoid using it, you are undermining my presence in the conversation.

It feels like saying, “I don’t care who does it, just get it done.” But here’s the thing: I care. I care about how I am addressed, and I care about professionalism. If you can’t be bothered to address me correctly, then maybe you shouldn’t be asking me for anything at all.

Respect Is Not Complicated

Let’s make this clear:

✔ If you’re writing to me, say my name.
✔ If you’re addressing my junior, say their name and copy me if necessary.
✔ If you’re unsure, ask—but don’t default to a lazy, dismissive term.

If you can’t do that, then we clearly have nothing to say to each other.

So let’s get it right. I am Lelo Klaas. Not “both.” Not “ladies.” Just me.