Dear Reader,

I’m often called the wrong name.
Trevor.
Travis.
Connor.
Taylor.
Dana.
Tyson.
Thomas.
Sweetie.
Dummy.
Forgiven.
I’ve heard them all.

The other day I delivered some peaches to our neighbor.
With a big smile she said, “Thank you, Hunter!”
She said it with such confidence that for a second I thought my name was Hunter.
It’s not.
But I didn’t correct her.
Maybe I should have.
Instead I said, “Yes, ma’am,” and walked away.

How do you tell someone they are wrong?
How do you correct a woman you just called ma’am?
Telling someone they are wrong doesn’t bring me joy.
I’ve never been good with conflict.
I’m usually the one who needs correcting.
Hardly is it the other way around.
I walked away and didn’t think much of it.

Later that afternoon she crossed the street with a concerned look on her face.
“I am so sorry. I called you the wrong name! You’re Tanner, not Hunter. I know who you are.”
“It’s no problem! I’m called the wrong name all the time,” I responded.
“Well, why didn’t you say something? You should have said something. Next time, correct me!”
“I certainly will,” I said with a smile.

And that’s the story of how I lied to our neighbor.
I will never correct her.

Sincerely,

Hunter

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.