Friend Problems...

[Hollywood18]

Okay, I found out that one of my friends is 'annoyed' because I am changing my name. I mean, she has a genuine concern for me--she says she thinks I am 'depressed' so I am 'trying to become someone else.' First of all, I have no idea where she'd get the idea I was depressed, because for the past couple of months, I have been in very positive, fun-loving, excited moods, and she's been the one getting down and out of sorts. And people don't get a name change because they're depressed. I have tried to explain my reason to her, but she doesn't seem to get it. It is simply this: I have always had a strong hatred for the name my parents gave me, so I planned to change it when I turned 18 since I was a little girl. The only reason it's not yet changed is because I am poor and can't pay for it. I finally chose a name for myself, one that I really think suits my personality, my face, etc. But she suddenly has this idea that I am trying to become another person by changing my name. This is absolutely ridiculous, considering I have always planned to change my name, etc. But she seems to think that by changing my name I won't be me anymore. When I try to talk to her about it, she just blows it off and tries to find someone else to talk to or just changes the subject. I thought she was a better friend than that, but now I'm really confused and a little upset with her for not understanding or even listening. --Also, I have a couple of other friends who seem to think I'm trying to become another person by changing my name, too. Does anyone agree with me that by changing my name I'm not becoming someone else?

You know what Hollywood, you do whatever makes you happy. I do not think that just because you want to change you name means that you want to try to be someone else. If you don't like your name then change it. It sound like you put a lot of effort into this. ( you must have been starring at yourself in the mirror to pick a name that goes with you face) When you do i hope you are really happy with it. Don't worry about what they say.. If it makes you happy DO IT.


LOL

[Raven]

I knew a lady whose 'real' name was viola. She hated it, so turned it to Vicki. That suited her much better. If you're that unhappy with your name.....then go for it. There are many reasons why people change their names. Some to hide, some to change gender, some dont have a choice, i.e. witness protection. You're still you, no matter what it says on your SS card! LOL! Good luck!

[minks]

Go for it your friend will get over it, she has no choice.
I think if you have been so unhappy with the name for so long you deserve a change.

[BabyRider]

Ahhhh, if only it were that simple. Changing your name changes who you are??? In that case I'm going to run right out and change my name to Rockefeller.

[lady cop]

my youngest son has a swedish name which is very unusual. as a child it upset him. other kids ridiculed it. he used to ask me to change it. THEN my son became the top athlete in north florida in three sports, a superstar and object of every newspaper article. tried out by 9 major league baseball teams, the homecoming king, the class clown, the most popular, winner of all talent contests,an honor student, and absolutely drop-dead gorgeous...(i will attach a pic here, he is the one on the left, the taller one, pic taken at super bowl, you can see stadium in the background.) then he was drafted by a major league baseball team as a pitcher. as well as the miami hurricanes and getting a full ride through college. the point is, EVERYONE knows him by his first name, there is only ONE _____, and he loves it!!! i hope you learn to love your name as well.

[Godiva Girl]

You do what you feel in your heart is right. If you dislike your birthname that much then go ahead and change it, there is nothing saying that you cannot ever change it back someday. As for your friend, a true friends stand behind you and respects you no matter what your decision is. If she cannot do that then you don't need her.

[BabyRider]

Originally Posted by kensloft

You may wind up being the poorest relative consigned to taking all the heat for your namesakes (the rich one's inside the swank club where you are washing their cars for a living). Watch what you ask for!

Thanks for the tip, Ken!! Maybe I should consider "Gates" instead??

[BabyRider]

Originally Posted by kensloft

Gates? Oh?

Another bad choice? Help!!

[Hollywood18]

Thanks to all of you for helping out. Because nothing is going to stop me from getting a change. As for ever liking my name, I won't. And my names not uncommon at all--that's the problem. It's too common. Everywhere I've gone to school--(we've moved around a lot)--there had been at least one other girl with that name in every grade above and below me. Where I go to school now is the only time I've never had another Heather in my class--still ones in every grade that was above and below me though....Plus my name is too plain for my liking--I am not as plain as the name Heather is to me, and I wanted something that sounded sophisticated, sexy, elegant, stylish, etc. The name I've chosen is all that to me, not to mention a couple of my friends say that it fits me much better. It's also able to be shortened into two different nicknames, one being somewhat elegant, the other more cute and sporty . It is a somewhat common name, but it's not nearly as common as Heather--at least not here. And it just suits me more anyway, so it makes me happy when I hear people calling me by my new name. I feel like I finally fit.