The Dance

The Unique Name Dance is actually quite simple. I say my name and the person would say something completely different with a questioning tone. Then I say my name again, and they say the first syllable correctly and the rest of it wrong. Then I say my name again and they look intently at me. Finally, I say my name one last time slowly, then we achieve success together in pronouncing my name.

Ordering

For a brief amount of time, whenever I ordered something at a fast-food restaurant I would give my first name, as regular people do. Now, instead of giving my first name "Garneel," I instead give my middle name "Joseph" which makes things a whole lot easier.

Class Roll Call

I was the kid in the class where the substitute teacher would take a pause and take their sweet time sounding out every syllable of my name. You would think this would make things better, but it really was just a slow-mo butchering of my name.

Nicknames

Garnier Fructis, Garnizzly Bear, G, Gaga and Garfield are all nicknames which have been bestowed upon me. Honestly, I have nothing against a good nickname as long as there is some type of reasoning behind it. Yet, it does get exhausting and I do have an actual name so there is that also.

At the end of the day, my unique name has led me to live a pretty unique life. At this point in my life there is no way a regular name would be able to fully encompass who I am.

I am Garneel.