At some point of my freshman year in college, my friends switched from calling me by my first name to last. Couldn’t tell you who started the trend, or when, but it stuck. At first it felt different, because my whole life I would always be called by my first name, like a normal person. After a few months it started to feel more normal. Today, whenever they say my first name it sounds weird and not right. Below I have listed 11 struggles any person referred to by their last name can relate to.
1. This is my friend *insert last name.*
Trust me, this is always the most awkward situation, because my last name is not common. Most people are confused and ask, “wait what’s your name again?” “Is that your real name?” “What nationality are you?”… The list goes on and on. Every time I meet someone new, I have to clarify that “Yandow” is not my real name, but my last name.
2. But it feels weird when they introduce you by your first name.
You can never win.
3. You will have more than one nickname.
Yan, Yandy, Yan Diggity, Granny Yanny, the list goes on..
4. You won't hear your first name for days.
It's whatever...
5. There's a delay when the teacher calls attendance.
*Looks around the room* Oh right that's me...Here!
6. It’s weird hearing your name by your friends.
On occasion, one of your close friends will call you by your first name, and you just stare at them. Their immediate response will be “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I just called you that."
7. Sometimes you need a reminder of your own name.
Been there, done that.
8. Your parents are always confused.
How do you explain to your parents that your friends don't call you by your first name?
9. You start hearing your name everywhere.
I have been in multiple situations where I think someone is calling me by my last name and I'll turn my head to look at them...turns out they were calling someone else and are now very confused why I turned around.
10. Your friends from home call you by your first name
People always assume that because they call you one name, everyone else does the same, not true...
11. Embrace the name.
If you are OK being called something other than your first name, go with it. Sooner or later the name will catch on and you'll be more popular because of it.
