A Mistaken Identity at Work

Ever since I started working at this big tech firm in my late 40s, I've always tried to keep a low profile. You know how it is: you join later than everyone else and suddenly feel like you're playing catch-up with all these young whiz kids who can code while they sleep. So I focus on doing my job quietly, without drawing too much attention. But here's the thing, I’ve got this embarrassing story that’s been bugging me for weeks now. It happened during our company-wide online meeting last month when we were discussing a new project and everyone was introducing themselves in turn to give updates or express opinions about what they thought should be done. I was late joining the call due to some technical issues with my laptop, which meant everyone had already introduced their ideas by the time I could speak. I panicked for a moment because the last speaker before me sounded just like an old acquaintance of mine from high school who I haven’t seen in years and whom I’ve often thought about. I knew we shared some similar interests back then but hadn't really kept in touch since. In my flustered state, without thinking twice, I introduced myself saying something along the lines of how impressed I was with his work on the project so far. Of course, when I realized a few seconds later that it wasn’t him but someone entirely different sitting at home somewhere else across the country, there was an awkward silence. It’s been eating away at me ever since then because I don't want to risk losing touch of this old friend again, even though I’ve never actually reached out after all these years. I feel foolish for letting my nerves take over like that and worry it might have come off as odd or intrusive.