How Else Can I Tell You That I AM ME?

I am female, but I have a name that is usually chosen for males. I answer a phone call from a number I don’t recognize. The caller sounds like a middle-aged Aussie bloke.

Me: “Hello.”

Caller: “Hi, I’m calling for [My Name].”

Me: “That’s me.”

The caller is silent.

Me: “So, what do you want?”

Caller: “I was hoping to talk to [My Name].”

Me: “Yeah, that’s me.”

Caller: “Oh, areyouthebetterhalfthen?”

Me: “Say again?”

Caller: “Are you the better half, then?”

Me: “Um… I guess.”

Caller: “Well, I’m just ringing from [Solar Panel Company]. I’m not trying to sell you anything, but, [My Name] rang us some time ago for a quote; he was quite interested and we just wanted to follow up with him.”

Me: “Why are you saying, ‘he’? Who are you talking about?”

Caller: “[My Name].”

Me: “I’ve told you twice already: that’s me. What the f***, dude?”

Caller: “…”

I hung up.

Honestly, I get that I am female and my name is traditionally male. A lot of people are confused when they first speak to me, but they immediately take it in their stride and move on. Not this guy; his hole is so deep he’s halfway to China by now.