The other day, I was at a cute local coffee shop ordering a cold drink, digging in my wallet for exact change, when the dreaded question was posed to me: "Can I have a name for the order?" Immediately, my mind began to have the seemingly never ending inner debate: nickname or full name? Should I give my full name of Mackenzie and force the busy barista to scribble down nine letters or should I help her out and say "Mac", but face the very high chance of having to explain the three letter word? Ultimately, I chose to say "Mac", and as predicted, the barista paused, repeated the name back to me, and then asked me to spell it. As I sipped on my iced coffee a while later, I decided I coudn't be the the ONLY person who struggles with these sort of situations. Here are seven things that happen when you have a nickname:

1. Juggling your full name and nickname is like having two identities

Someone says your full name? Ah, must be time to be professional and put together. Nickname? Dorky, goofy self time! And when a person uses both interchangeably? Sorry, I can't deal. Please, help a sister out and pick one. I know I'll say, "Oh I don't care what you call me!" But I do. So please, pick one.

2. Dreading being THAT kid each school year who asks the teacher to change their name

Because there's no introduction to 20 staring kids like having your ancient teacher ask you to repeat your nickname five times before she somewhat gets it right.

3. It’s an easy indicator for who your true friends are

True friends take the time to learn and embrace the fact that you have two names and that you liked being called by your nickname. True friends also realize pretty quickly that to get under your skin, all they have to do is purposefully call you by your full name. Thanks, true friends. Feeling the love.

4. Also, it's an easy indicator for when you're in trouble

You never, EVER want your parents to break out your full name. Full name=trouble. Every. Single. Time.

5. It's a clutch conversation starter

Why, hello new person, it's very nice to meet you! In 3...2...1... you're going to ask me if my name is short for something. And because of this conversation, there's a very good chance you're definitely going to remember me. Networking gold!

6. You seemingly spend your life spelling it for baristas

I spend more time in the Starbucks line debating a name change than if I should try the new frappuccino.

7. Dealing with the people who take your nickname too far

Yes, my nickname is Mac. Wow, how original! I can't believe you're the first person to ever think to call me "Big Mac", "Mac and Cheese", and "Macklemore"! NOT. And for the last time, NO, I DO NOT WANT TO GO THRIFT SHOPPING.

8. Despite it all, you love how it makes you unique

I'd spell out my name 100 times for a barista and be called "Big Mac" every day if that was the only way I could keep my nickname. My nickname makes me who I am and I will forever love being "Mac."