Understanding Relationships in Nickname Usage

When considering the use of nicknames in English, the nature of the relationship plays a crucial role. Familiarity is essential; using a nickname often implies a certain level of intimacy or closeness, which may not exist even if one is a long-time listener of a podcast. For instance, it's generally seen as appropriate to address someone by their full name until permission is given to use a nickname, such as calling Jessica 'Jess' only after she has indicated that it's acceptable. This illustrates the importance of gauging the relationship before deciding to use a more casual form of address.