Is it that hard to call someone Deborah if that's how they introduce themselves?

You're dealing with ill-mannered people. It's not "friendly" to call someone you just met a nickname, it's fake and presumptuous. These people need to get to know you first, by the name you identified yourself with.

I once had a neighbor who was "Deborah" and not "Debbie," and I dated a "Peter," not a "Pete" and a "Michael," not a "Mike." It's called respect, and people are lacking it these days.

Like one of the other posters said, every time you hear the wrong name, don't be shy to calmly and smoothly just say, "Deborah," and nod respectfully to them... maybe they'll get the message eventually.

I know lots of women named Deborah or Debra and usually people will shorten the name. I know that I often will call them Deb because I think it is cute. Believe me, we are all over 50, lol So, don't think it is a big deal. Probably most people think you go by Debbie because Deborah sounds somewhat formal. In the same way that Catherine or Cathleen is shortened to Cathy.

With all that said, just make your feelings know about your name but don't be surprised if people still want to shorten it. :)

We have a Deborah working at a store where I sometimes work - and if we call her Deborah instead of Debbie she thinks that we're mad at her - because that's what her mother called her when she was angry.

Must be she introduces herself as Debbie then.

You have to tell them. They don't know you find it offensive.

your name is very personal and it is certainly NOT asking too much for people to call you by the name you prefer. unfortunately you just have to keep gently correcting them until they figure it out.

maybe they gave you a nickname because they want to be more personal and friendly