Say My Name (or Nick's) ..

Nicknames: those unique spices sprinkled by friends, family, and colleagues throughout our lives, adding flavor and character to our personal stories. From the moment we enter the world, we're branded with labels that stick better than a Post-It on a refrigerator door. And just like that, before you can spell "identity," you're lovingly dubbed "boo-boo" by proud parents.
 
Growing up, I was affectionately known as 'Lady' by my parents, while my brother was their 'Man'. No royal lineage here, just parents who embraced regal titles for their kids. One of my dad's oldest friend recounts being amused about the love my dad had of "his lady". He said he thought “dane, this man really LOVES his wife.”  Imagine the friend's surprise when he discovered that this "lady" was, in fact, his buddy's toddler daughter – me! I loved that story!

On the maternal side of my family, I’m called 'Pumpkin'—or "Punkin" in Southern drawl. Being the first grandchild, I suppose I was as round and plump as a pumpkin. On my paternal side, among the weeping willows and hydrangeas, I'm known as Roni and Runt.
 
The phenomenon of nicknames isn't confined to just family gatherings or neighborhood playgrounds. It follows us into our college affiliations and professional lives. Step into any workplace, and you'll find yourself in a parallel universe brimming with a fresh set of nicknames.
 
As a child, I was Veronica to my classmates, VP to my young adult friends, and in various workplaces, it's been a game of name roulette—Valerie, Vanessa, Victoria, but never Veronica!
 
Then there's my son, whom I affectionately call 'Boo-Boo'. As a toddler, he warmed my heart by calling me Mommy, until he declared that turning ten meant he'd start calling me 'Mom'. Yes, kids grow up fast, and with each growth spurt, their nicknames for you must mature as well!
  
This nickname conundrum extends into every crevice of organizational life. Ever noticed how each company has its own glossary of terms and acronyms? What's "telecommuting" in one office is simply "remote" in another. And the terms "sick leave" versus "medical leave," "lease" versus "rent," or "profit" versus "earnings" vary by the water cooler.
 
Despite being Veronica, Valerie, or Vanessa, I remain ‘V’. Just like those interchangeable job titles: Customer Service” versus “Client Service” or “admin” versus “executive assistant”, “billing analyst” versus “AR specialist” the essence of who we are doesn’t waver, even if our daily tasks fluctuate like stock market prices.
 
So, what’s the deeper story with nicknames? They’re like personalized badges of identity, given for traits, mistakes, or fond memories. They signify affection, humor, and sometimes just fill a space on a nameplate. The origins of nicknames might remain a mystery, but their impact is undeniable. They stick like glue and say more about our relationships than one conversation could ever reveal.
 
So wear your nicknames with pride—they’re not just names, but badges of honor, tokens of affection, and occasionally, perfect material for your next workplace anecdote.

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