[mpoppins92]

So something in that I wrote in another thread got me thinking which gets me to asking (and a bit of a whine) - are there names that you automatically shorten? For example if someone introduces themselves as Benjamin do you automatically go ok he's Ben?


People do this to me all the time with my name. I like my full name but its long, the short version is a boys name, and I don't like it, haven't for some years now (apparently when I was 3 I liked it and it stuck from there)

When I say everyone shortens it I mean everyone, recently I introduced myself to a person at a new job "Hi I'm Alexandra" about 3 mins later, she introduced me to someone else, "This is Alex".. I said "Oh I prefer Alexandra..." but nope, I'm already Alex. I have told everyone to please call me Alexandra but I think it's so ingrained that they can't change the habit, even my mum calls me Alex (she doesn't even use my full name when I'm in trouble which to me, means she has failed as a parent )

Do you think this is something I can ever change? And do you agree that there are some names that you just automatically shorten because the long version is too damn long?

This post has been edited by mpoppins92: 10/12/2012, 05:21 PM

[~Supernova~]

I'm really funny about this topic. I will only ever refer to somebody by the name that they introduced themselves with. I find it difficult to do otherwise, even if lots of other people speak to them using a shortened version.

[Pooks*potters]

Yep. It's inevitable. Unless you use another NN instead.

[knottygirl]

i knew a christopher whose mother was adamnet it wouldnt be shortened to chris.

i also know a kimberly that likes to be called kimberly but she still gets kim alot.

[Ireckon]

I don't know the answer.....but I see it happen all the time with DH. He has a very standard traditional name ( like Peter, or David) and because he is a tradie, it ALWAYS gets shortened by those he works with. I love his full name, and mostly use that, at times will shorten it with the long vowel sound, but withuot fail, for work mates, it is always "Mick", IYKWIM?

Myself, I grew up with my name being shortend and hyphened to my middle name by rellies, or shortened to a dolls variation. It never phased me, but as an adult, in a professional capacity, its easier to be taken seriously by using my full name. The added bonus is it makes me feel like I get away with pretending I a a grown up!!

[mpoppins92]

Yep. It's inevitable. Unless you use another NN instead.

Siiiigh. If only there was one I liked.. maybe I'm too picky.

[la di dah]

Nobody does that to my full first name because it has no official short form. They might mispronounce it but they don't chop it. 3 syllable name.

If I do use my nickname half the time someone will back up and call me Josephine. It's just Josie, it's short for another Jo-name... I didn't tell you to call me Josephine... agh.

I don't think its just the length. If you had a very uncommon name that was 4 syllables they'd either take a running attempt or avoid your name or ask if they can call you something else. But they "know" the short form of Alexandra. A Katherine (only 2, 2.5 syllables) is often Kate whether she likes it or not but an Immanuela or a Zakiyya or whatever is what she tells people to call her.

[mini mac]

I'm really funny about this topic. I will only ever refer to somebody by the name that they introduced themselves with. I find it difficult to do otherwise, even if lots of other people speak to them using a shortened version.

Me too. Also in the way its pronounced. Eg grant being 'a' or 'ah' sound. I have friends who have been introduced one way then say the name the other way I think this is totally rude and not that persons name. Only exception is if you are another nationality and its a language barrier thing.

[Jekaho]

I think it just happens, and there's not really much you can do about it.

My full name is shortened (which is what I use everyday) but then others insist on shortening it further eg. Debra -> Deby -> Deb. I don't like the shortest version. If I introduce myself as "Deby" then I like to be called that. Don't decide that you can call me "Deb"!

I try very hard to call people by the name they are introduced to me by. Because I don't like it when people don't do me the same courtesy.

[Soprano-Cat]

I've given up.

I'm a Jennifer. Older people call me Jenny without fail. Friends call me Jenn.

I haven't heard my full name in aaaaaaaaaaages.