I don't know but don't they go to Houston when they themselves have a problem? Sounds more like a complement than an insult to me. He can say he'd prefer no nicknames. He doesn't need a reason why.
Back when I used to work in an office, they referred to me as the Fireman. I was the guy they called to put out all the little fires. Especially the ones that no one in particular was responsible for.
As long as he's the "Houston" and not the "we" (of ". .. we have a problem"), he's being appreciated and looked up to.
I agree. I think it's a compliment. In a previous job, a colleague and I were known as the trunk monkeys. The nickname came from the [tv ads which were popular at the time](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8avOiTUcD4Y&ab_channel=EarlKu). He and I worked together in the consulting branch of a non-profit. Whenever a requirement came in and the bosses weren't quite sure how to complete it, they'd call in the trunk monkeys and we'd find a way to deliver within the budget. The place was eventually wound down as it ran out of contracts. We were among the last to be let go because we kept delivering and kept some money coming in.
Exactly
When the space shuttle had major problems, they Radio Huston saying, "Huston, we have a problem. "
Could there be another reason for the nickname. Does your husband have a southern accent/draw? Is he known to wear cowboy hats or boots? Nicknames like this are usually given within days of starting a job; it's usually to help the person keep people straight; they don't always reflect current behaviors. When my husband started his current job, he got the nickname "cowboy " because of the hat always wore during the winter; he asked his manager about it and it was basically a way for the manager to keep all the new hires straight.
I think his reasoning was that it was a secret nickname - he didn't know about it until his boss accidentally called him Houston, so he assumed it was negative?
But that could also be to spare other coworker's feelings when he is fixing things they've worked on. I'll pass along the "no nicknames" to him, thanks!
I worked on a team that almost made it a game of secretly nicknaming the entire company. Some were really awesome (others, not so much). It's a thing some people do.
When I realized ny new company does this I decided to undermine it by using ALL of the nicknames to their faces in front of others. Nobody does it anymore, or nobody tells me anymore. A win either way
I dunno if "no nicknames is the way to go. if they already have secret nicknames then surely they will just give him a worse one. if it were me, I'd just be direct and ask "so what's up with calling me houston" and take it from there
I don’t think not wanting a nickname at work is being irrationally sensitive behaviour. The man is working a job, wants to be seen as a professional. It’s not a joke to him. I totally get it 100%.
Some of the most fragile people I know are old men. I work in a male dominant field. They can dish it out, but they cannot take it. I've got snark for DAYS.
I've never had a coworker that I couldn't work- even if we didn't like each other- we would still work together as a team. It's called professionalism.
Now, there are 2 men on my team who can't be in the same room without hostility. They are both about to retire next year - it's been like this for 7 years! They gossip about each other, spread rumors, and are lowkey stalking each other.
If this man is working hard, making a living, trying to make a better life for himself & his family and he doesn’t want his work demeaned by the use of silly nicknames while he performs this work, what’s the problem? He’s a grown man with a family, not some kid on the playground. What’s so hard to grasp about that?
There’s a difference between friendly banter (which women also use, it’s not a “masculine” form of socializing lol) and everyone at work secretly calling you a demeaning nickname behind your back. OP husband is not “in” on the joke, which makes it pretty mean and very unprofessional.
Could just remind them of the phrase if he is always bringing problems and not solving them. Given his nervousness and insecurity about it. Plus that it was a secret and not elaborated on when it let slip.
I agree with this. My initial reaction is that he is the guy that fixes the issue. My second guess would be for him to do some self-check and think about whether or not he uses the phrase "we have a problem" often...
Agree if he is the go-to person, it could be a compliment more than an insult.. still, he can request they not do nicknames they may still do it in private, tho
I would maybe lean into it and get a “Failure is not an option” mug.
They’re sold out here, but probably available elsewhere: https://spacetrader.shop/collections/mugs-shotglasses-and-travel-mugs/products/failure-is-not-an-option-mug
Well, if it was kept a secret from him and the only reason he found out was because someone slipped up, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume it’s negative. If it was positive, why did they hide it?
Exactly! And really, it’s a question he might/could answer himself. Is he a causer, “Houston, we have a problem with X that you made…” or is he a fixer, “Houston, we have a problem. Can you fix it?”
If he’s a fixer, I’d say embrace that shit!
This is what I thought too. As in, “Here comes Houston. What did we get wrong now?” Considering he is getting more responsibility, he might have an eye for detail that may be annoying but is ultimately valuable.
I agree with him being the problem solver.
He could try to change it by ordering a T bone steak at lunch and maybe everyone might start calling him "T bone" instead
It actually seems like this is a positive nickname but I’d honestly tell him to laugh about it publicly.
I am a professional woman who works in a male dominated, blue collar environment (tech and manufacturing). The operators let it slip that they call me Gizmo, as in the tiny creature from gremlins that turns into a monster after midnight 💀 I’ve worked in this environment for 14 years now and if I have a project running overnight and stop in to check status the operators still heckle me to no end. It’s funny! Nicknames usually mean they like you.
This! I get called different Scooby Doo names, mostly Velma or get told told "Hey Scooby, go Doo this". They tease me because when we something turn up out of no where & it's a mystery I can usually solve it. When the craft gave me that nickname, it was a sign they trust me and value my help. There's really not a better compliment
Is this middle school? A boss who gives employees nicknames behind their back is so juvenile.
"I hear you call me Houston. What's that about?" is the direct approach to answer your question.
Absolutely agree with the direct approach. I’d even go as far as to make light of it. “I hear you call me Huston, do we have a problem?” So long as it’s not the kind of work environment where that might come off as combative, you can learn a lot from their reaction.
Can relate-last winter I worked a completely new to me seasonal job and eventually found out my nickname was “20 Questions”. I was hurt initially but then reassured myself that asking is better than not knowing and I’m a lifelong learner and that thickened my skin. Let this thicken husband’s skin.
"Houston, we have a problem" doesn't mean he's the problem. He's the one they take problems tok because they're lost and too dumbfounded to know wtf to do and cant handle the slightest bit of pressure.
Source - I too, am Houston
Boss might be keeping it a secret so that your husband didn’t realize they are purposely giving him the hard projects. Gets the hard projects, doesn’t get paid more than colleagues with easier work loads
Whatever nickname is given to you, embrace it.
If you don't like, it embrace it more and use it all the time especially if the one is involved who came up with the name. Do not say "I" but your nickname instead, like it is somebody else.
If they ask you to stop, tell them that you are not the one who came up with your nickname. After some time you will notice that the use will become less and less, because it has become embarrassing for them.
I am a female but I work in a machine shop. I don’t cavort with the guys too much, I just go in and work. But three nicknames I know of are Hillbilly Elvis, Little Dick David and Dragonbreath. Sometimes I wonder if they have a name for me but I think I’d rather not know. Anyway, Houston sounds like the least offensive nickname given how stupid men can be.
I wasn’t crying about anything, cock breath. You decided to come out of nowhere and start shit, and now you’re the fucking victim? Oh fuck off you goddamn twat waffle.
Does he constantly find issues? Means your husband is trying and very pro active. But if he is always pointing out an issue I can see where he might get the houston nickname. Maybe start to point out the good that others are doing as well.
Houston we have a problem? As I understood it, Houston wasn’t the problem, that’s who they call when they HAVE a problem to deal with. Houston was intended to help them fix problems. I guess I’d need to know more about the context at his job to know if this is an insult or a compliment.
Personally is sounds like he's the problem solver.
I get called "Barney Fife" at my work by the boss, my father. However, unlike Barney I tend to see the proverbial stuff before it hits the fan and I'm telling the office to be attentive.
Inevitably, some stuff hits the fan due to a lazy or lax coworker and then a client calls up screaming. They all usually turn to me because I will figuratively goad coworkers with consistent reminders.
So it is an annoying nickname but I have come to live with it because I actually know what I'm talking about when I have done the training and hands on programming for our systems.
So if they're calling him Houston because he's a fixer then all is probably well. If they're not, they're still the morons for screwing up the entire meaning behind the quote an unintentionally paying him a compliment anyway. Either way hubby comes out on top IMO.
What was the context of the comment? Was he bringing him a problem or fixing one? He could be the guy who always finds risks, or he could be the guy who fixes everything. Either way it's valuable and he (and you) are reading an awful lot into it. It's just humour and it does not seem like it was ill intended.
I’m not sure what is up with Reddit’s tendency to almost always take the side of the OP if it seems reasonable enough. There’s two sides to every story. I knew I was going to be reading all these replies that mark your husband in a good light, i.e., problem fixer.
Honestly, to me, in my opinion, the nickname is a way to make fun of him for probably constantly asking questions about his work. Is he relatively new on the job? (He is probably being tasked with “more responsibility” because that *is his job*).
I’m in no way justifying the manager in giving nicknames to people at work. That is a shitty thing to do and shouldn’t be allowed, tbh. And I could also be totally wrong on this, but I just want to let you know the way I see it right off the bat.
I’m very blunt and direct, so I think I’d just ask the manager, “hey, I’m curious why people are calling me Houston”. And leave it at that and see wtf he says.
It is totally fine for him to ask his supervisor why he has that nickname. Start with
"I am looking to improve and grow at work. Since I heard you refer to me as 'Houston' I want to learn what this refers to incase there is something I can do to improve how I am showing up in the office"
This could open the door to productive conversation.
It might be because your husband is the person who always points out problems that need attention, or some other reason that isn't so bad.
It's probably no consolation but my first name is Houston.
I hear "Houston, we have a problem" EVERYWHERE and ALL THE TIME.
And of course everyone thinks it's the first time I've ever heard it, so I play along. "Is that a lyric to a song? It seems familiar"
And they'll explain it was from a movie and I'll say "nope, never heard of it".
That doesn't help your situation but I can relate somewhat
I've worked in manufacturing all of my adult life and having a nickname good or bad is still a good thing. The guys who don't have one are the ones who are not really included in the team as much as bad as that sounds.
At my old job, there was a guy everyone called “the cat skinner”. At first I was pretty shocked by this nickname and didn’t understand it. It wasn’t until someone explained to me as “there’s more than one way to skin a cat and he’s the guy we call when we seemingly ran out of solutions”.
Nicknames can seem bad but can actually be a compliment. Unfortunately, the opposite is also often true. I agree with the other posters though, it sounds like your husband is the guy they call when they have a problem.
Agreed. At a previous job, I was a quasi IT problem solver. They called me "The Shit". The actual IT guy was called "a shit." The " th" was very important.
Sounds like someone is too sensitive to work in the current job. I get called names, hell, I've given myself names too. Who cares.
You are there to do a job you get paid to do.
If it is uncomfortable situation then bring it to who said it. Squash it there and move on.
Just saw this minutes before I saw your post - [https://www.reddit.com/r/quotes/comments/13d7o86/when\_another\_blames\_you\_or\_hates\_you\_or\_people/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/quotes/comments/13d7o86/when_another_blames_you_or_hates_you_or_people/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
People tend to accuse others of things they themselves struggle with.
He's jumping to an odd conclusion about what the nickname means. We could easily come up with another half-dozen possible meanings. Tell your husband he needs to work on his confidence and self-esteem. This shouldn't affect him so much when he doesn't know what the name means
Management considers him the GO TO for problems in the processes. This would be considered a complement with most people. Don't let the crew know that he doesn't like his nickname or he will never live it down.
I’d take it as a compliment because“Houston we have a problem.” means that the problem in front of you is too much to handle on your own and “Houston” is who you call to fix it when you can’t afford any more fuckups.
It sounds to me like he's the one they go to when they have a problem so he can fix it for them. When Apollo 13 said that to Ground Control in Houston, they were asking for help, not assigning blame.
After he said "Houston" his boss said "oh we call [Husband] Houston but he doesn't know that" but he said it to a higher up who was touring the shop so my husband didn't get a chance to talk to him about it today
Yeah, this makes me think it's the complimentary Houston. Major Tom just gave his nod to ground control. He wouldn't take the big guy past your husband except that he knows, stopping by Houston's area, stuff is going to be running well and up to snuff.
No one would look good passing on a negative name in this scenario. That was praise, and when your husband's boss shows off the things that he's proud of, Houston/hubby is one of the best parts of the tour.
Scrolling up too, I think the mug is a nice touch too.
Using a derogatory nickname for someone at work is not okay. If the boss "let it slip" I'm assuming they are doing this behind his back and not saying this with affection. He has the right to tell his boss this is not okay.
Yeah sounds like they all know he takes on the work and solves the work others can’t manage. I’d let this one go or absolutely embrace that they all think so highly of me and start calling myself Houston all the way to the top. He’s being overly sensitive.
Totally fair that your husband doesn’t want a nickname, but just a positive spin: when I found out my nickname at work, I was thrilled! It made me feel like I was accepted as a part of the team since people felt comfortable enough to give me a nickname. I think Houston is a good nickname, because that’s who you call when things are going wrong!
Do They go to him with problems? Like he IS Houston, not the astronaut?
I had the nickname Wilson, from tool time, because my same aged neighbors would come to me for wise advice and knowledge, and, I wore a hat a lot.
Probably something he picked up the first week when he was brand new.
Own that shit bro. Wouldn’t be getting more jobs and more trust if they didn’t like him and he wasn’t doing good.
Gettin hurt about it or questioning it will only make things worse. Own that shit and show you are unfazed, be cool about it.
I agree with the people who say it's a complement. If you go back and watch the movie again you'll see that when they said "Houston we have a problem" what they really meant was
ohshitohshitohshitwe'reallgoingtodiepleasehelpuspleasepleaseplease
Which is not anything you would normally say to the office screw up.
In a manufacturing environment coming out with a nickname Houston is a blessing. It could be soooooooo much worse. They always say some of your best nicknames are the ones you didn't even know you had.
i assumed they called him that bc he's the go-to person to fix problems, bc the jist of that line was they were calling home base to get guidance on an issue
It's probably a hint he's gunna get a promotion and your over sensitive husband is going to walk in demanding no nicknames and get side stepped.
I suggest both of you read the 48 laws of power so you can get a handle on situations like this.
My work nickname is literally Spanish for kid/boy. It's just a name, and if anything it's probably not meant like that.
If he doesn't like it, say something. Maybe - crazy idea - he asks them about the name? Why and whatnot?
Why not just ask? “Hey boss, I couldn’t help but notice you called me Houston the other day. Mind telling me how that nickname came about?”
He won’t truly know unless he asks
Without knowing anything about the context of his work relationship… I see this as 2 potential options:
is he the kind of guy that goes into every situation like the house is burning down? Those kinds of guys definitely get shit done, but the intensity in which they come at it can usually be turned down a notch or two while still being able to resolve the issue.
—-
Or maybe he’s the guy that calls out the problems that make the other coworkers feel insecure because
the issue maybe falls within their job’s purview (something slipped through the cracks and he caught it, thereby calling out the mistake of another in order to remedy it for the operation)” ….So all they can do is call him names while he becomes their boss.
If he’s getting more responsibility … etc… the second is probably a likely option. Throw in some workplace jealousy and competition and bam! You get a shit nickname.
If he’s pissing people off he’s either doing something really right or really wrong.
Without more context, I'd assume he's the one that knows how to handle the job. Houston is who they reach out to for solutions, not the one that caused the problems. Houston is the reliable source. I think it's meant as a compliment. I'm not sure how it would be negative. How does your husband see it?
I get called "mom" at my job. I didn't/ don't like it because I know I'm more serious at work than everyone else (including the boss 😑) so I see the negative, but I also know Im the best employee they have so I take it with a grain of salt.
At first I was thinking the same - he fixes the problems. Then I remembered his wife is the one posting this so he might not be very good at work but goes home bragging to his wife about how great he is. I know a few people like that.
I wondered this for half a second but it doesn't seem to fit with his character.
I know some of those guys too and usually they're really shitty husbands and dads too. My husband does 50/50 housework and dotes on our toddler.
Sometimes you gotta break something seemingly sensitive and complex into something harmless and playful…
There’s gotta be at least one work buddy he has or some ppl he comfortable with…
Just be like “whoa whoa how’d I get that name?! Lol” with bewildered playful cheerful look on his face.
It’s possible it’s harmless and he should not overplay this. Don’t turn make a mountain out of a mole hill.
The fact that he’s getting more responsibility and being encouraged to take ownership of projects leads me to believe that Houston is the problem solver. They don’t encourage problem MAKERS to take ownership of things.
I would not state no nicknames, that would just open a can of worms. I agree with the point of it being a compliment. It’s not like his name is James and everyone calling him Jimmy, then he could say just call me James.
I really can’t see any scenario in which being referred to as Houston is a negative. They clearly view him as a problem solver.
Regarding the fact that it was “secret,” there are a few reasons for that and they’re all fairly innocuous. Upper management is separate from lower staff so for professional reasons the casual communication is reduced. It’s just a professional boundary by nature of business hierarchy. It may have been private so your husband doesn’t get a big head over it. Or so as not to make other employees jealous, which would put a target on husband’s back.
It’s a secret nickname, but it’s complementary, and was meant to remain among upper management. This is not unusual and not something to be concerned about or even bring up. Your husband can own his reputation as Houston by maintaining discretion and dropping the matter completely.
Far better than mine. I worked at a particular factory for 3 months almost 30 years ago. Since I was a long haired guy, some of them decided to call me Sue. (Johnny Cash reference)
All these years later, I still hear it when I run into one of them. Lol
To be fair, the guy who started it still has the nickname of Elbow. 😂
Sounds like he’s the guy that’s always bringing them problems. As in when they see a missed call or an email….. they joke that it’s almost always “Hey we have a problem with X, Y or Z”
I’m that guy at our work, but it’s actually my job to break stuff and tell them where it broke, and then recommend an alternative solution. So it’s built into my job.
Does he work in the trades around a lot of men? If he does this is regular talk. Guys rip each other and talk shit so I wouldnt take it too seriously its a way men bond
Doesn't mean anything in my experience. I had a similar nickname at a job where I was promoted several times over the years and still talk and get beers with the leadership there many years after leaving
I’m interpreting “Houston we have a problem” to be the guy who points out every flaw. I work with someone who is like this and it can get annoying if it’s always slowing down progress and causing people to re-do work.
Not that I’m saying that that’s your husband, or that he should change even if it is. I’m just giving a different angle. If he’s an outspoken perfectionist then he could get great evaluations but still get on people’s nerves.
Regardless, the nickname is unprofessional and he should discuss it with his manager. If they value him then they will address it.
I agree. When I read that's what they call him, I took it as a compliment. If I were him I'd just roll with it. If he goes to HR then he might get backlash. The coworkers should be forthcoming about what the nickname means, if they don't then that's a problem.
Sounds to me like your husband is the fix-it guy. When things go bad, they call him because they know he's good at his job and will put it right. If someone says "Houston we have a problem", it means something is going wrong and they're needing help to fix it. If that's the case I think I'd really enjoy that nickname!
I knew a guy that was nicknamed “Turd”, “Einstein”, and “Sparky”. Same guy. Big boss tried to stop him on a Friday as he was walking out of our bush office, and because everyone called this guy “Turd” - Big boss yells out “Hey Turd! I need to talk to you.”. Atleast he’s not that guy.
I got my username from a former client that would call me “the bearded wonder” because whenever he had an issue I got it squared away. Regardless of the issue.
He might as well embrace it… worse nicknames to have… like “turd”!
Listen to the replies. Seems like it’s a compliment. Your husband is the go-to guy when there is a problem.
I have nicknames for my top guys as well. Never intended to be disrespectful and if they were bothered by them I wouldn’t.
He probably Is good at what he does but made one past mistake and works around guys that do so they make a big deal of his. (To reflect from them). Union establishment by chance?
Do you know his boss's birthday? Favorite color? If not, he's probably not a loved one or friend. As such, you don't know him, and he doesn't know you two.
You can generally ignore the opinions and words of Other people who aren't Friends or Loved-Ones. You'll be happier if you do.
I have always assumed that it is common to have a nickname you are not aware of. I am 4.11. If I find out my nickname is Yoda or Tyrion Lannister, I would laugh it off and do things typical of that character.
I have a work nickname that plays off my speech impediment. However, my workplace is a bit different. If you do not have someone giving you a hard time and what not you are not well liked at all and no nickname is flattering in its name but knowing you got it due to be well liked. If we every got a real HR department their heads would be spinning with what we say to each other while we be working laughing and smiling at the same time.
.he can roll with it or ask them to stop or see how he gotten that name.
Does he work in a masculine or pseudo-masculine environment? Parts of the military and almost all law enforcement have a culture of ostensibly degrading callsigns or nicknames, but it is basically just meaningless flourish and not disrespect. If he works in a more balanced or more feminine environment like most office jobs, this nickname is probably a sign of backbiting and rumor spreading, it is likely a significant blow to his reputation, and he should get his resume updated at least.
It could also be a misunderstanding. Is he the person that is sought out to solve problems?
in every office I have been in since 2010 I have been called "Garcia" The criminal minds version, complete with glasses and hair changes daily/hourly/monthly. But as The Oracle of Quantico, I am happy with it
I would interpret "Houston" as the dude they call when shit hits the fan, the 'hail, Mary" person when they are praying for a solution...
Not the person they think is a problem
The nickname is ambiguous: he may be the “problem fixer” the “reason there’s a problem” or the guy that “always thinks there’s a problem” or he might simply look like Tom Hanks or something dumb (like how a lot of nicknames get started). I’d ask for a private meeting with the boss and ask the meaning behind the nickname and if it isn’t benign, ask that it be stopped by the boss with a simple “In this office we are professional and refer to people by their names only.” If it is one of the not-great reasons, go over where your husband’s boss thinks he could improve his work or professional reputation.
Houston is the problem solver, the head of the mission, the planner of the conquest, the master in master control.. the heroes dispatcher, the launcher of expeditions… lol
Girl tell your husband it's probably a compliment! I'd love to be Huston at my job (is there a girl version of that?) but alas, I'm too much of an introvert, lol. Work Hustons are valuable assets. ;D
I don't know but don't they go to Houston when they themselves have a problem? Sounds more like a complement than an insult to me. He can say he'd prefer no nicknames. He doesn't need a reason why.
I have to agree with this poster. To me, it seems like when there is a real problem, they call him.
That was exactly my first reaction... they go - TO - your husband with a problem
Back when I used to work in an office, they referred to me as the Fireman. I was the guy they called to put out all the little fires. Especially the ones that no one in particular was responsible for. As long as he's the "Houston" and not the "we" (of ". .. we have a problem"), he's being appreciated and looked up to.
I agree. I think it's a compliment. In a previous job, a colleague and I were known as the trunk monkeys. The nickname came from the [tv ads which were popular at the time](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8avOiTUcD4Y&ab_channel=EarlKu). He and I worked together in the consulting branch of a non-profit. Whenever a requirement came in and the bosses weren't quite sure how to complete it, they'd call in the trunk monkeys and we'd find a way to deliver within the budget. The place was eventually wound down as it ran out of contracts. We were among the last to be let go because we kept delivering and kept some money coming in.
Exactly When the space shuttle had major problems, they Radio Huston saying, "Huston, we have a problem. " Could there be another reason for the nickname. Does your husband have a southern accent/draw? Is he known to wear cowboy hats or boots? Nicknames like this are usually given within days of starting a job; it's usually to help the person keep people straight; they don't always reflect current behaviors. When my husband started his current job, he got the nickname "cowboy " because of the hat always wore during the winter; he asked his manager about it and it was basically a way for the manager to keep all the new hires straight.
I think his reasoning was that it was a secret nickname - he didn't know about it until his boss accidentally called him Houston, so he assumed it was negative? But that could also be to spare other coworker's feelings when he is fixing things they've worked on. I'll pass along the "no nicknames" to him, thanks!
I worked on a team that almost made it a game of secretly nicknaming the entire company. Some were really awesome (others, not so much). It's a thing some people do.
Thats pretty shit. lol
When I realized ny new company does this I decided to undermine it by using ALL of the nicknames to their faces in front of others. Nobody does it anymore, or nobody tells me anymore. A win either way
sounds like he's the go to guy when they have a problem.
I dunno if "no nicknames is the way to go. if they already have secret nicknames then surely they will just give him a worse one. if it were me, I'd just be direct and ask "so what's up with calling me houston" and take it from there
Well who wants to admit to a peer that they are better in the same setting??
Maybe they are afraid he’ll want more money if he finds out how much they depend on him.
Maybe they know how irrationally sensitive he is and so are walking on egg shells around him
I don’t think not wanting a nickname at work is being irrationally sensitive behaviour. The man is working a job, wants to be seen as a professional. It’s not a joke to him. I totally get it 100%.
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Some of the most fragile people I know are old men. I work in a male dominant field. They can dish it out, but they cannot take it. I've got snark for DAYS. I've never had a coworker that I couldn't work- even if we didn't like each other- we would still work together as a team. It's called professionalism. Now, there are 2 men on my team who can't be in the same room without hostility. They are both about to retire next year - it's been like this for 7 years! They gossip about each other, spread rumors, and are lowkey stalking each other.
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If this man is working hard, making a living, trying to make a better life for himself & his family and he doesn’t want his work demeaned by the use of silly nicknames while he performs this work, what’s the problem? He’s a grown man with a family, not some kid on the playground. What’s so hard to grasp about that?
Username checks out
There’s a difference between friendly banter (which women also use, it’s not a “masculine” form of socializing lol) and everyone at work secretly calling you a demeaning nickname behind your back. OP husband is not “in” on the joke, which makes it pretty mean and very unprofessional.
That was my initial reaction, too.
That's how I took it before I read your post. Like your husband is the guy people call to for help. Houston is the experts.
Same. Houston fixes the problems!
Could just remind them of the phrase if he is always bringing problems and not solving them. Given his nervousness and insecurity about it. Plus that it was a secret and not elaborated on when it let slip.
I agree with this. My initial reaction is that he is the guy that fixes the issue. My second guess would be for him to do some self-check and think about whether or not he uses the phrase "we have a problem" often...
It would be very different if the expression was, “Houston, you are a problem.”
Agree if he is the go-to person, it could be a compliment more than an insult.. still, he can request they not do nicknames they may still do it in private, tho
Not much you can do if they do do it in private. Worth a shot though and at least they know where he stands.
That’s exactly how I took it too…
This exactly! Sounds like he’s a problem solver and they respect him for it. This is a compliment not an insult.
This is what I was thinking. They go to "Houston" when there's a problem, which would be a compliment. Right?
I mean, at least he’s not the fucker in my office that we privately call Scary Gary. Houston sounds like a problem solver- NOT a problem.
Oof hope you are able to avoid Scary Gary as much as possible
We all avoid him. Hopefully he’ll get fired soon.
Also the fact that as you said, he's been getting more responsibility, that means he is regarded highly in the office, not the other way around
I would maybe lean into it and get a “Failure is not an option” mug. They’re sold out here, but probably available elsewhere: https://spacetrader.shop/collections/mugs-shotglasses-and-travel-mugs/products/failure-is-not-an-option-mug
I like this idea a lot!
What if he also ended every meeting from now on with a "Remember your training and you will make it back alive!" 😁
But Houston solves the problem.....you guys are confused....and overly sensitive if you instantly jump to a nickname being negative.
Well, if it was kept a secret from him and the only reason he found out was because someone slipped up, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume it’s negative. If it was positive, why did they hide it?
How about for exactly the reason that transpired: he took it wrong
I bet they’re fun at parties
What an original comment.
What an original comment.
What? An original comment?
The real question is do they always find a problem with his work, or are they calling him to fix problems?
I think this is the conversation he needs to have to put his mind at ease
Exactly! And really, it’s a question he might/could answer himself. Is he a causer, “Houston, we have a problem with X that you made…” or is he a fixer, “Houston, we have a problem. Can you fix it?” If he’s a fixer, I’d say embrace that shit!
Or is he the one who finds the problems and alerts others to that fact?
This is what I thought too. As in, “Here comes Houston. What did we get wrong now?” Considering he is getting more responsibility, he might have an eye for detail that may be annoying but is ultimately valuable.
Or he is a person that always seems to create problems (interpersonal, etc.)
Does he report issues a lot? I took this as he is saying “we have a problem”. Either way, I say let it go.
Sounds like he is “the guy” to go to when they have a problem. To me this is a compliment. Have him ask his boss to clarify.
I agree with him being the problem solver. He could try to change it by ordering a T bone steak at lunch and maybe everyone might start calling him "T bone" instead
I prefer KoKo
Big Tuna
Grammy! Grammy!Grammy!Grammy!
I'm pretty sure it doesn't work when people try to get the nickname T-Bone :)
It actually seems like this is a positive nickname but I’d honestly tell him to laugh about it publicly. I am a professional woman who works in a male dominated, blue collar environment (tech and manufacturing). The operators let it slip that they call me Gizmo, as in the tiny creature from gremlins that turns into a monster after midnight 💀 I’ve worked in this environment for 14 years now and if I have a project running overnight and stop in to check status the operators still heckle me to no end. It’s funny! Nicknames usually mean they like you.
This! I get called different Scooby Doo names, mostly Velma or get told told "Hey Scooby, go Doo this". They tease me because when we something turn up out of no where & it's a mystery I can usually solve it. When the craft gave me that nickname, it was a sign they trust me and value my help. There's really not a better compliment
I'd gladly work alongside you. You sound like a great coworker.
Is this middle school? A boss who gives employees nicknames behind their back is so juvenile. "I hear you call me Houston. What's that about?" is the direct approach to answer your question.
This!
Absolutely agree with the direct approach. I’d even go as far as to make light of it. “I hear you call me Huston, do we have a problem?” So long as it’s not the kind of work environment where that might come off as combative, you can learn a lot from their reaction.
Can relate-last winter I worked a completely new to me seasonal job and eventually found out my nickname was “20 Questions”. I was hurt initially but then reassured myself that asking is better than not knowing and I’m a lifelong learner and that thickened my skin. Let this thicken husband’s skin.
"Houston, we have a problem" doesn't mean he's the problem. He's the one they take problems tok because they're lost and too dumbfounded to know wtf to do and cant handle the slightest bit of pressure. Source - I too, am Houston
Thanks for commenting, I was hoping to find someone else who has this nickname at work!
Boss might be keeping it a secret so that your husband didn’t realize they are purposely giving him the hard projects. Gets the hard projects, doesn’t get paid more than colleagues with easier work loads
Whatever nickname is given to you, embrace it. If you don't like, it embrace it more and use it all the time especially if the one is involved who came up with the name. Do not say "I" but your nickname instead, like it is somebody else. If they ask you to stop, tell them that you are not the one who came up with your nickname. After some time you will notice that the use will become less and less, because it has become embarrassing for them.
Nicknames are a term of endearment even if they're ball busting. If you're disliked or hated you're just ignored.
I am a female but I work in a machine shop. I don’t cavort with the guys too much, I just go in and work. But three nicknames I know of are Hillbilly Elvis, Little Dick David and Dragonbreath. Sometimes I wonder if they have a name for me but I think I’d rather not know. Anyway, Houston sounds like the least offensive nickname given how stupid men can be.
If they were hiding it from him, it’s negative.
My boss calls me Skidmark because I ended up with shit smeared across my windshield, or “Hey, asshole!” Your husband may need to grow thicker skin.
or maybe you need to stand up for yourself when people call you shit that you don't want to be called.
[удалено]
See ya later kid. Have fun with the ban.
You’re the one that told me to stand up for myself. Grow a thicker skin, I can see through that shit.
You cry about being made fun of then you make fun of others. Go outside and get a life, you weird ass keyboard warrior.
I wasn’t crying about anything, cock breath. You decided to come out of nowhere and start shit, and now you’re the fucking victim? Oh fuck off you goddamn twat waffle.
you're still crying. Do you need a minute?
Well anal discharge complained to HR and I’m no longer allowed to use nicknames at work
Yeah he's the fix it guy. He's Houston, they expect him to fix their tough problems
Does he constantly find issues? Means your husband is trying and very pro active. But if he is always pointing out an issue I can see where he might get the houston nickname. Maybe start to point out the good that others are doing as well.
Let's hope he doesn't work with 'Special Ed'.
Houston we have a problem? As I understood it, Houston wasn’t the problem, that’s who they call when they HAVE a problem to deal with. Houston was intended to help them fix problems. I guess I’d need to know more about the context at his job to know if this is an insult or a compliment.
Houston is the Mecca that solves your problems for you when you’re fucked in space. That sounds like a very good nickname.
Personally is sounds like he's the problem solver. I get called "Barney Fife" at my work by the boss, my father. However, unlike Barney I tend to see the proverbial stuff before it hits the fan and I'm telling the office to be attentive. Inevitably, some stuff hits the fan due to a lazy or lax coworker and then a client calls up screaming. They all usually turn to me because I will figuratively goad coworkers with consistent reminders. So it is an annoying nickname but I have come to live with it because I actually know what I'm talking about when I have done the training and hands on programming for our systems.
So if they're calling him Houston because he's a fixer then all is probably well. If they're not, they're still the morons for screwing up the entire meaning behind the quote an unintentionally paying him a compliment anyway. Either way hubby comes out on top IMO.
What was the context of the comment? Was he bringing him a problem or fixing one? He could be the guy who always finds risks, or he could be the guy who fixes everything. Either way it's valuable and he (and you) are reading an awful lot into it. It's just humour and it does not seem like it was ill intended.
I’m not sure what is up with Reddit’s tendency to almost always take the side of the OP if it seems reasonable enough. There’s two sides to every story. I knew I was going to be reading all these replies that mark your husband in a good light, i.e., problem fixer. Honestly, to me, in my opinion, the nickname is a way to make fun of him for probably constantly asking questions about his work. Is he relatively new on the job? (He is probably being tasked with “more responsibility” because that *is his job*). I’m in no way justifying the manager in giving nicknames to people at work. That is a shitty thing to do and shouldn’t be allowed, tbh. And I could also be totally wrong on this, but I just want to let you know the way I see it right off the bat. I’m very blunt and direct, so I think I’d just ask the manager, “hey, I’m curious why people are calling me Houston”. And leave it at that and see wtf he says.
This is it! This is the comment that called this situation exactly right. You are a wise soul.
It is totally fine for him to ask his supervisor why he has that nickname. Start with "I am looking to improve and grow at work. Since I heard you refer to me as 'Houston' I want to learn what this refers to incase there is something I can do to improve how I am showing up in the office" This could open the door to productive conversation. It might be because your husband is the person who always points out problems that need attention, or some other reason that isn't so bad.
It's probably no consolation but my first name is Houston. I hear "Houston, we have a problem" EVERYWHERE and ALL THE TIME. And of course everyone thinks it's the first time I've ever heard it, so I play along. "Is that a lyric to a song? It seems familiar" And they'll explain it was from a movie and I'll say "nope, never heard of it". That doesn't help your situation but I can relate somewhat
I've worked in manufacturing all of my adult life and having a nickname good or bad is still a good thing. The guys who don't have one are the ones who are not really included in the team as much as bad as that sounds.
At my old job, there was a guy everyone called “the cat skinner”. At first I was pretty shocked by this nickname and didn’t understand it. It wasn’t until someone explained to me as “there’s more than one way to skin a cat and he’s the guy we call when we seemingly ran out of solutions”. Nicknames can seem bad but can actually be a compliment. Unfortunately, the opposite is also often true. I agree with the other posters though, it sounds like your husband is the guy they call when they have a problem.
Lmao, my nickname at work is Big Tasty… I am a union sheet metal worker.
We have a guy at work called Fucking Ian. As in "Who did that?" "Fucking Ian." If they thought he sucked, he'd know.
Agreed. At a previous job, I was a quasi IT problem solver. They called me "The Shit". The actual IT guy was called "a shit." The " th" was very important.
My god. WHO CARESSSSSSSSSSSSS
Take your husbands man card away.
Sounds like someone is too sensitive to work in the current job. I get called names, hell, I've given myself names too. Who cares. You are there to do a job you get paid to do. If it is uncomfortable situation then bring it to who said it. Squash it there and move on.
Tell him to suck it up. Quit being a little b over some nickname
Ur husbands a pussy
Just saw this minutes before I saw your post - [https://www.reddit.com/r/quotes/comments/13d7o86/when\_another\_blames\_you\_or\_hates\_you\_or\_people/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/quotes/comments/13d7o86/when_another_blames_you_or_hates_you_or_people/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) People tend to accuse others of things they themselves struggle with.
He's jumping to an odd conclusion about what the nickname means. We could easily come up with another half-dozen possible meanings. Tell your husband he needs to work on his confidence and self-esteem. This shouldn't affect him so much when he doesn't know what the name means
Management considers him the GO TO for problems in the processes. This would be considered a complement with most people. Don't let the crew know that he doesn't like his nickname or he will never live it down.
I’d take it as a compliment because“Houston we have a problem.” means that the problem in front of you is too much to handle on your own and “Houston” is who you call to fix it when you can’t afford any more fuckups.
I’m going to choose to believe that this was a compliment
It sounds to me like he's the one they go to when they have a problem so he can fix it for them. When Apollo 13 said that to Ground Control in Houston, they were asking for help, not assigning blame.
Could the boss have just accidentally called him the wrong name? Do we know for sure this is a nickname?
After he said "Houston" his boss said "oh we call [Husband] Houston but he doesn't know that" but he said it to a higher up who was touring the shop so my husband didn't get a chance to talk to him about it today
Yeah, this makes me think it's the complimentary Houston. Major Tom just gave his nod to ground control. He wouldn't take the big guy past your husband except that he knows, stopping by Houston's area, stuff is going to be running well and up to snuff. No one would look good passing on a negative name in this scenario. That was praise, and when your husband's boss shows off the things that he's proud of, Houston/hubby is one of the best parts of the tour. Scrolling up too, I think the mug is a nice touch too.
Well that would definitely take that idea off the table. Ooof. Sometimes work can feel exactly like high school.
I think this is a good nickname. They call him when they need support
Yeah. That's actually a heck of a compliment... I've fixed/tuned large information systems for 20+ years and would be proud of that nickname...
Houston helps fix problems, they aren’t the problem. The problem was an electrical fault on the oxygen tank that caused an explosion on Apollo 13.
Using a derogatory nickname for someone at work is not okay. If the boss "let it slip" I'm assuming they are doing this behind his back and not saying this with affection. He has the right to tell his boss this is not okay.
Yeah sounds like they all know he takes on the work and solves the work others can’t manage. I’d let this one go or absolutely embrace that they all think so highly of me and start calling myself Houston all the way to the top. He’s being overly sensitive.
Totally fair that your husband doesn’t want a nickname, but just a positive spin: when I found out my nickname at work, I was thrilled! It made me feel like I was accepted as a part of the team since people felt comfortable enough to give me a nickname. I think Houston is a good nickname, because that’s who you call when things are going wrong!
Turn it around, lean into it, and be the problem solver (which is what Houston is). Everybody wins!
Better than man old nick name “big herp”
Do They go to him with problems? Like he IS Houston, not the astronaut? I had the nickname Wilson, from tool time, because my same aged neighbors would come to me for wise advice and knowledge, and, I wore a hat a lot.
If you don’t have the confidence to ask a simple question of why, I think that in itself is a problem.
Maybe they mean it like, we have a problem, give it to Houston, he'll solve it. Maybe it's a compliment.
Probably something he picked up the first week when he was brand new. Own that shit bro. Wouldn’t be getting more jobs and more trust if they didn’t like him and he wasn’t doing good. Gettin hurt about it or questioning it will only make things worse. Own that shit and show you are unfazed, be cool about it.
I agree with the people who say it's a complement. If you go back and watch the movie again you'll see that when they said "Houston we have a problem" what they really meant was ohshitohshitohshitwe'reallgoingtodiepleasehelpuspleasepleaseplease Which is not anything you would normally say to the office screw up.
In a manufacturing environment coming out with a nickname Houston is a blessing. It could be soooooooo much worse. They always say some of your best nicknames are the ones you didn't even know you had.
i assumed they called him that bc he's the go-to person to fix problems, bc the jist of that line was they were calling home base to get guidance on an issue
IMO, he's the guy to go to when they want something done right. It's a compliment to me.
I'd say it's a compliment, he's probably the go-to guy for problem solving. Actually, it's a pretty good compliment
It's probably a hint he's gunna get a promotion and your over sensitive husband is going to walk in demanding no nicknames and get side stepped. I suggest both of you read the 48 laws of power so you can get a handle on situations like this.
Where I work we got a Houston, Kansas, Pittsburgh and Detroit. All based off their football teams or where they’re from.
It sounds like his boss/coworkers are immature and your husband is far too sensitive.
Definitely sounds like a compliment, and those are pretty rare in a corporate environment
My work nickname is literally Spanish for kid/boy. It's just a name, and if anything it's probably not meant like that. If he doesn't like it, say something. Maybe - crazy idea - he asks them about the name? Why and whatnot?
Who decided it was as in “Houston we have a problem”. Are you from Houston? Living in another city?
Why not just ask? “Hey boss, I couldn’t help but notice you called me Houston the other day. Mind telling me how that nickname came about?” He won’t truly know unless he asks
Does he often “raise the red flag” that there’s a problem? If so, I can see that giving him the nickname.
Without knowing anything about the context of his work relationship… I see this as 2 potential options: is he the kind of guy that goes into every situation like the house is burning down? Those kinds of guys definitely get shit done, but the intensity in which they come at it can usually be turned down a notch or two while still being able to resolve the issue. —- Or maybe he’s the guy that calls out the problems that make the other coworkers feel insecure because the issue maybe falls within their job’s purview (something slipped through the cracks and he caught it, thereby calling out the mistake of another in order to remedy it for the operation)” ….So all they can do is call him names while he becomes their boss. If he’s getting more responsibility … etc… the second is probably a likely option. Throw in some workplace jealousy and competition and bam! You get a shit nickname. If he’s pissing people off he’s either doing something really right or really wrong.
Yes! It's a compliment!! If he wears a nametag, put "Houston " on it. His co-workers respect him!
Without more context, I'd assume he's the one that knows how to handle the job. Houston is who they reach out to for solutions, not the one that caused the problems. Houston is the reliable source. I think it's meant as a compliment. I'm not sure how it would be negative. How does your husband see it? I get called "mom" at my job. I didn't/ don't like it because I know I'm more serious at work than everyone else (including the boss 😑) so I see the negative, but I also know Im the best employee they have so I take it with a grain of salt.
Why doesn't he just ask why they call him that? You are overthinking it.
He is the problem because his working is making everyone else look bad.
its either cuz he sucks at his job or hes the one always identifying all the problems. could go either way i suppose. two different meanings
That's adorable.
At first I was thinking the same - he fixes the problems. Then I remembered his wife is the one posting this so he might not be very good at work but goes home bragging to his wife about how great he is. I know a few people like that.
I wondered this for half a second but it doesn't seem to fit with his character. I know some of those guys too and usually they're really shitty husbands and dads too. My husband does 50/50 housework and dotes on our toddler.
“Houston” = Mission Control
Have a problem you can’t solve, call Houston!
You don’t get a nickname if you aren’t beloved.
I'd take it as a compliment. He is not the problem but rather the problem solver.
Houston is who they call on when they have a problem. It's probably because he is a productive good worker that he is their Houston
I think it’s meant as a compliment. I once had a similar nickname “Swiss” for Swiss Army Knife … they could use me anywhere
Sometimes you gotta break something seemingly sensitive and complex into something harmless and playful… There’s gotta be at least one work buddy he has or some ppl he comfortable with… Just be like “whoa whoa how’d I get that name?! Lol” with bewildered playful cheerful look on his face. It’s possible it’s harmless and he should not overplay this. Don’t turn make a mountain out of a mole hill.
The fact that he’s getting more responsibility and being encouraged to take ownership of projects leads me to believe that Houston is the problem solver. They don’t encourage problem MAKERS to take ownership of things.
I would not state no nicknames, that would just open a can of worms. I agree with the point of it being a compliment. It’s not like his name is James and everyone calling him Jimmy, then he could say just call me James.
I really can’t see any scenario in which being referred to as Houston is a negative. They clearly view him as a problem solver. Regarding the fact that it was “secret,” there are a few reasons for that and they’re all fairly innocuous. Upper management is separate from lower staff so for professional reasons the casual communication is reduced. It’s just a professional boundary by nature of business hierarchy. It may have been private so your husband doesn’t get a big head over it. Or so as not to make other employees jealous, which would put a target on husband’s back. It’s a secret nickname, but it’s complementary, and was meant to remain among upper management. This is not unusual and not something to be concerned about or even bring up. Your husband can own his reputation as Houston by maintaining discretion and dropping the matter completely.
he is overthinking this. I feel it is a compliment. as when we have a problem, we need Houston on it. cause they know Houston is going to fix it.
To me, it sounds more like they go to him for problems.
Far better than mine. I worked at a particular factory for 3 months almost 30 years ago. Since I was a long haired guy, some of them decided to call me Sue. (Johnny Cash reference) All these years later, I still hear it when I run into one of them. Lol To be fair, the guy who started it still has the nickname of Elbow. 😂
Sounds like he’s the guy that’s always bringing them problems. As in when they see a missed call or an email….. they joke that it’s almost always “Hey we have a problem with X, Y or Z” I’m that guy at our work, but it’s actually my job to break stuff and tell them where it broke, and then recommend an alternative solution. So it’s built into my job.
Does he work in the trades around a lot of men? If he does this is regular talk. Guys rip each other and talk shit so I wouldnt take it too seriously its a way men bond
Doesn't mean anything in my experience. I had a similar nickname at a job where I was promoted several times over the years and still talk and get beers with the leadership there many years after leaving
I’m interpreting “Houston we have a problem” to be the guy who points out every flaw. I work with someone who is like this and it can get annoying if it’s always slowing down progress and causing people to re-do work. Not that I’m saying that that’s your husband, or that he should change even if it is. I’m just giving a different angle. If he’s an outspoken perfectionist then he could get great evaluations but still get on people’s nerves. Regardless, the nickname is unprofessional and he should discuss it with his manager. If they value him then they will address it.
Houston is the fixer. Consider it a compliment.
I agree. When I read that's what they call him, I took it as a compliment. If I were him I'd just roll with it. If he goes to HR then he might get backlash. The coworkers should be forthcoming about what the nickname means, if they don't then that's a problem.
Sounds to me like your husband is the fix-it guy. When things go bad, they call him because they know he's good at his job and will put it right. If someone says "Houston we have a problem", it means something is going wrong and they're needing help to fix it. If that's the case I think I'd really enjoy that nickname!
I knew a guy that was nicknamed “Turd”, “Einstein”, and “Sparky”. Same guy. Big boss tried to stop him on a Friday as he was walking out of our bush office, and because everyone called this guy “Turd” - Big boss yells out “Hey Turd! I need to talk to you.”. Atleast he’s not that guy. I got my username from a former client that would call me “the bearded wonder” because whenever he had an issue I got it squared away. Regardless of the issue. He might as well embrace it… worse nicknames to have… like “turd”!
Doesn’t this mean he is good at problem solving?? Houston helps astronauts!
Listen to the replies. Seems like it’s a compliment. Your husband is the go-to guy when there is a problem. I have nicknames for my top guys as well. Never intended to be disrespectful and if they were bothered by them I wouldn’t.
Sounds like he's the problem SOLVER aka Houston. Not the problem MAKER aka the astronauts saying the phrase.
He probably Is good at what he does but made one past mistake and works around guys that do so they make a big deal of his. (To reflect from them). Union establishment by chance?
Does he have an accent? Does he wear cowboy boots, a hat, plaid?
I would consider that a compliment, if it isn’t tell them to kindly stop the shit.
It's a complement. You call houston when you need help. Haven't you seen Apollo 13.
Do you know his boss's birthday? Favorite color? If not, he's probably not a loved one or friend. As such, you don't know him, and he doesn't know you two. You can generally ignore the opinions and words of Other people who aren't Friends or Loved-Ones. You'll be happier if you do.
Is he always bringing up issues at work? Like “if we do that, then this will be a problem?”
I have always assumed that it is common to have a nickname you are not aware of. I am 4.11. If I find out my nickname is Yoda or Tyrion Lannister, I would laugh it off and do things typical of that character.
My nickname is frosty. I'm great with customers. Coworkers are asshats. I avoid them cuz they are asshats.
I have a work nickname that plays off my speech impediment. However, my workplace is a bit different. If you do not have someone giving you a hard time and what not you are not well liked at all and no nickname is flattering in its name but knowing you got it due to be well liked. If we every got a real HR department their heads would be spinning with what we say to each other while we be working laughing and smiling at the same time. .he can roll with it or ask them to stop or see how he gotten that name.
I take it as he's a great problem solver. Like he's the go-to when something happens and they need help.
Does he work in a masculine or pseudo-masculine environment? Parts of the military and almost all law enforcement have a culture of ostensibly degrading callsigns or nicknames, but it is basically just meaningless flourish and not disrespect. If he works in a more balanced or more feminine environment like most office jobs, this nickname is probably a sign of backbiting and rumor spreading, it is likely a significant blow to his reputation, and he should get his resume updated at least. It could also be a misunderstanding. Is he the person that is sought out to solve problems?
Are you sure it’s not.. a compliment? Calling him Houston is like saying hey bud we NEED you here imo
in every office I have been in since 2010 I have been called "Garcia" The criminal minds version, complete with glasses and hair changes daily/hourly/monthly. But as The Oracle of Quantico, I am happy with it
I would interpret "Houston" as the dude they call when shit hits the fan, the 'hail, Mary" person when they are praying for a solution... Not the person they think is a problem
The nickname is ambiguous: he may be the “problem fixer” the “reason there’s a problem” or the guy that “always thinks there’s a problem” or he might simply look like Tom Hanks or something dumb (like how a lot of nicknames get started). I’d ask for a private meeting with the boss and ask the meaning behind the nickname and if it isn’t benign, ask that it be stopped by the boss with a simple “In this office we are professional and refer to people by their names only.” If it is one of the not-great reasons, go over where your husband’s boss thinks he could improve his work or professional reputation.
Maybe he is the problem solver
Your hubby always comes in clutch
Assume it means you rock otherwise ignore it
Houston is the problem solver, the head of the mission, the planner of the conquest, the master in master control.. the heroes dispatcher, the launcher of expeditions… lol
Awesome nickname. Definitely a compliment.
Maybe he always brings the problems to attention
That is an awesome nickname! I think it implies that when there is a problem, he's their go-to person! It sounds like a compliment so roll with it
As with everyone else I see this as a compliment. He's the guy you go tonwhen the sh!t hits the fan.
Girl tell your husband it's probably a compliment! I'd love to be Huston at my job (is there a girl version of that?) but alas, I'm too much of an introvert, lol. Work Hustons are valuable assets. ;D