Many individuals find themselves grappling with the disconnect between their given names and their true selves. For instance, I’ve never felt comfortable with the name “Janelle.” It’s not just a matter of personal preference; it evokes a sense of being overlooked and misrepresented. Neuroimaging studies indicate that the sound of our names activates specific areas in the brain linked to our self-identity. Hearing “Janelle” often leaves me feeling uncomfortable and undervalued, especially when uttered by friends.
Throughout my life, I’ve struggled to get people to pronounce my name correctly. I’ve taken to social media, requested friends to discreetly correct others, and even suggested using “Jane” as a simpler alternative. Unfortunately, these efforts rarely yield results, especially with individuals from various regions with unique pronunciations.
Interestingly, I was initially meant to be named “Megan.” I have a fondness for that name; while not particularly ornate, it resonates with me on some level. However, my grandmother felt that “Megan Doe” sounded unusual for our family, leading my parents to opt for “Janelle” instead.
I often wish there were communities for those of us who feel similarly—those who, like me, have names that don’t resonate with their identities. Recently, I attended a presentation in my child’s class, where each student shared their feelings about their names. While many had brief moments of doubt, they ultimately embraced their names. I found myself envious; I’ve struggled with my name for over 40 years.
A few weeks ago, I reconnected with my cherished middle school teacher on social media. His message began: “Hello Janelle (not Janell)! I recall how much it upset you when people mispronounced your name.” His memory of that detail from my childhood was endearing but also a stark reminder of my longstanding discomfort with a name that feels so foreign.
Recently, I’ve started using “Megan” as my coffee name and for reservations. The sound of “Megan, party of four” is far more pleasant than “Janelle, party of four.” I often overlook the fact that “Megan” is sometimes misspelled, as the pronunciation is correct. If “Janelle” were pronounced correctly, I wouldn’t mind the occasional typo.
When I voice my frustrations to my parents, my father cheerfully suggests, “Just change it!” For years, I dismissed this idea, arguing the complexities involved, especially as a journalist with a byline. However, I’ve been enjoying my coffee name so much that I’m seriously contemplating a name change. While “Janelle” is part of my identity, I am not “Janelle” in essence—most people call me that out of habit. So perhaps I wouldn’t be losing anything by making a change.
As I approach 46, the idea of shedding the burden of “Janelle” is appealing. The prospect of spending the next several decades without cringing at the sound of my name, of finally defining my identity on my terms, is exhilarating. If I delve deeper, I begin to envision the advantages of being “Megan Doe.” Maybe she wouldn’t experience the same anxiety in social situations. Perhaps she could effortlessly master a handstand in yoga class. Even if “Megan” turns out to be just like me—minus the mispronunciation—this would be a considerable improvement.
For those considering a name change, it’s essential to weigh the emotional and practical implications. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, you might find valuable resources at WebMD for more information on reproductive treatments. Additionally, if you’re curious about at-home options, check out this insightful blog post on how to use an at-home insemination kit. For a more comprehensive solution, consider the Cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit which is widely recognized in the field.
In summary, changing your name in your 40s can be a journey of self-rediscovery. It’s an opportunity to align your identity with how you feel inside. If you’ve ever considered this path, you’re not alone.
Keyphrase: Changing Your First Name in Your 40s
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