But My Name Isn't "Jeff"

But My Name isn’t “Jeff”

As far back as he can remember, people (with the exception of close friends, co-workers and family), have called Dennis Potter “Jeff” instead of by the name "Dennis." This has happened hundreds of times: over the phone as Dennis ordered courier service; at the grocery store while standing in line at the checkout. Four years ago in a store, a stranger approached Dennis and said, “Hi, Jeff.” Dennis didn’t know what to say, so he tried to ignore him; the stranger's reply: “Oh, I see. You’re incognito.” When Dennis moved away from the stranger, the stranger followed, adding, “I know it’s you, Jeff.” Finally, Dennis asked him what the stranger was talking about. The stranger told Dennis that he knew that Dennis was an actor who appeared in a night-time television drama, and even though Dennis wouldn’t admit it, being out in public and all, the stranger knew it was true just the same. The stranger confused Dennis with an actor, but Dennis couldn’t see past the fact that yet another person thought he was “Jeff.” No one has ever thought that Dennis' name was “Tom” or “Dick” or “Harry”; Dennis Potter has always been called “Jeff” by nearly everyone.

Dennis has been called “Jeff” so many times, that it became sort of a private joke. Here’s an example: somebody Dennis had met once saw Dennis a second time, but couldn’t remember his name. As he stumbled and struggled for the name, Dennis just cleared his mind of all thoughts so as not to offer a name by mental suggestion. Dennis counted the seconds that passed by until the acquaintance brightened, extended his hand for a good shake, and declared: “Jeff!”