Growing up, I received the evil eye from numerous substitute teachers as they became flustered in an attempt to pronounce my name. I supposed it’s the silent “h” that confuses people. One sub blatantly proclaimed, “WHY IS THERE AN “H” IN YOUR NAME?," as if I had the power to change such a thing. I never thought the three syllables were that difficult to put together into a coherent word, but I have heard so many different variations of my name, sometimes even I forget how to pronounce it.

Of course having a unique, difficult name can also offer some perks. For instance, even when your name is pronounced wrong, it's usually easy to tell when someone is talking to/about you. Also, you're pretty much the envy of every person who has a really common name. Sorry to everyone named Brad, Pam, and Sarah. Plus, one can get kind of a chuckle out of the frustration of substitute teachers.

Regardless, here are 13 things that people with hard to pronounce names know to be true.

1. When your teacher takes 30 minutes to try and say your name correctly:

2. That teacher that only calls you by your last name to prevent butchering your first name:

3. When people ask you if you have a nickname:

No, I do not. If my name is too hard for you to pronounce, then maybe we just shouldn’t be friends.

4. When people CREATE a nickname for you:

Stop. Never did I give you permission to do such a thing.

5. When the semester is almost over and the teacher is still having a hard time:

You gave it a good run, but it’s time to throw in the towel.

6. When you see someone you’ve met before, but they refuse to address you by name because they either can't remember it or don't want to mess it up:

I know you forgot, just come right out and say it.

7. When workers at a fast food restaurant ask for a name on the order, and you contemplate giving them a fake one so that they don't mess up yours:

8. When your peers insist on calling you the wrong name, just to piss you off:

9. When you find someone with a name remotely close to your own, and you freak out just a little bit:

Are we twins?

10. When people ask you what your name means:

You could ask my parents, but they probably don't have a clue.

11. When people ask you where you were born:

Uhhh, the United States?

12. When people say your name with an accent:

I’m about as American as a hamburger and french fries, but thank you for trying to make me feel exotic.

13. When you meet someone else who also has a difficult name, and you immediately feel connected to them: