I am a customer service representative, originally from the Netherlands. My English is excellent - actually somewhat better than many of the customers who phone in. However, I am often treated rudely and asked in what country I "actually" am located, or if it is hot there in India. Sometimes I try to explain that I am sitting in an office in Goleta, or that I am not Indian, but Dutch, or that I am an American citizen, but usually I get the feeling that no one even hears my reply, or simply disregards my answer. I fear that I am developing a bad attitude. The other day, I corrected a customer's grammar.

Edda, do you ever feel as if people doubt your existence?

Signed,