This is going to be hard for you to believe, but every time I introduce myself to a guy and say, “I’m Sam” they respond with, “Is that short for Samantha?”

Swear to God, 9 times out of 10. Next time someone says, “Hi, I’m Tom” I’m going to say, “I know this is extremely obvious, but is that by any chance short for Thomas?”

Plot twist! This all changed when an old man struck up a conversation with me in the Starbucks line this morning. You know how sometimes old people can say things to you and you’re left wondering if what they said was nice, or if they insulted you? This happened 12 times in the course of our brief conversation, ending with:

“I’m Jerry.”

“I’m Sam.”

“Your dad wanted a boy, huh?”

“…It’s actually short for Samantha.”