When I reached my "ceiling of competence"
, a number of people asked me if I'd still be a Dick .
During my RAF career I was know for a long while as 'Oi you.' I wondered if I had the look of a Vietnamese chap for a while. This improved immeasurably on leaving to 'Hello Mr thing, what can we do for you today?' I much prefer this.
Edit: I am lightly aquainted with an ex VVSO and his Lady. I had a similar conversation as Al R, with a reponse along the lines of 'Yes, it was a bit cut and thrust at times but at least on retirement you can start being normal again.' Cue immediate response from Lady VVSO 'Oh good, I do look forward to normal, when does it start dear?'