I’d practice what I was going to say ahead of time and still feel that cold twist in my stomach when it got to my turn.
It wasn’t just that she “forgot” my name. It was how easily it made me feel invisible. Like, I didn’t matter in the room.
Our team consisted mostly of men rather than women, and somehow, Joan always remembered the men’s names.
Always.
Never once did I hear her hesitate before addressing Steve, Mark, Tyler, or even Kyle, the new hire who joined three weeks ago! But me? I became “sweetheart” or “you there.”
I tried being grown and direct.
I pulled her aside calmly after a Thursday morning meeting.
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