>Is it a business requirement to offend people? Yes, it often is. Years ago in college I worked in an international retail establishment. We were required by p

>Is it a business requirement to offend people? Yes, it often is. Years ago in college I worked in an international retail establishment. We were required by policy to address customers by their first names. It was a rural community with many older people, and many people were visibly unhappy being called their first name by a 19 year old kid they didn't know. And as an adult, I find myself in agreement to this day. If I don't know you, why are you calling me by my first name?