We originally picked Ellie's name because we loved the fact that it was a beautiful name with two relatively good nicknames (one being Ellie and one being Lori). We figured that we would call her Ellie as a child and she could go by Lori as an adult (if she so desires).
As it turns out, we rarely actually use "Ellie". I use that name on my blogs, but in person, I feel like her full name fits her so much better. Some of the grandparents call her Ellie, and I'm fine with that. It doesn't bother me.
However, what does bother me is Jen. I realize that since my name is Jennifer, most people will call me Jen. I don't mind it when it's spoken. I don't mind friends, coworkers or random people calling me Jen when they speak to me. What I do mind is being introduced as Jen. Or worse yet... having my name be "Jen" on something official or keepsake-worthy, like the recently autographed photograph taken by an in-law. He wrote "To Michael and Jen".
It's not the first time that it's happened. When we were married, I received quite a few gifts (mostly from family on the hubby's side) that were engraved or cross-stitched with the names "Michael and Jen." Why does he get to be Michael instead of Mike, but I can't be Jennifer???
I'm not Jen, people! I'm Jennifer! If you're going to include my name on something that is somewhat-permanent... use the right name! And to think that I thought this was addressed years ago. Ugh. I wish it didn't bother me so much because it's so silly, but it does. It really does. UGH.
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Disclaimer:
If you are a family member then that means you've stumbled on my secret blog. Busted! The intention of this blog was to provide a place to post the stories that I felt might offend or upset any family members. I did not want to upset you, but I still wanted to share my stories (some funny and some not) with others. Hopefully you understand! I love you!
2 comments:
First of all, totally unacceptable for keepsake/permanent/official things to have Jen on them. Etiquette is dead.
When we named our daughter I was delighted that there were possible nicknames, but now...? I love her name, love the possible nicknames, but if it came down to two names again, one with nicknames and one without, I'd pick the latter. I'm tired of feeling that twitch when people who don't know her well use the familiar version. Totally my fault, because when she was born I always said "her name is Olive but we call her Ollie" and then I changed the rules midgame. The Cracker's name, my name, J's name...so much easier because our names are what they are...period. I worry that one day O will feel the way you do now. I've spent a ridiculous amount of time contemplating which name should appear over her coat hook at preschool.
As for Jen vs. Michael? I can only think of three people, with your Michael being one of them, who I've only heard go by the more formal verison. The other two were introduced "Joseph, NEVER Joe!" and "Alexander, DO NOT call him Alex!" (LOL Alexander was Alex by grade school. His poor parents! They felt VERY strongly about it.) When I think back to your relationship early on I would swear he always refered to you as Jen, and in my head it just stuck. Right or wrong, the vibe I think we picked up was that it was okay to call you Jen but not okay to call him Mike. Now, that isn't really fair, because family should be able to reserve special names, but there you are. Now I'm going to go worry about my daughter's name some more...
AND IT'S NOT SILLY! IT'S YOUR NAME!!!
Oh my gosh, Heidi! I know I complained about this, but I swear I never thought about it in those terms before. Stay tuned for a post about it!
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