Did you have a nickname as you were growing up? If you did, what was it and why did they call you that? Have you had other nicknames as an adult? What do family members call you now?
Growing up my older Brother, who I happened to think was THE.COOLEST. PERSON. ALIVE., started calling me Paulywog. I adored it and somehow that simple nickname truly made me feel special. To this day I love nicknames, to me nicknames are reserved for those who really love us—a symbol of closeness. I don’t shorten acquaintances names unless they insist or that is how they introduce themselves to me. But for a close friend or family member having a more personal name is a token of love for me.
As I have gotten older, Paulywog, has been forgotten but for those who I am closest with I am Pauly. To Wade I am often referred to as Paulyanna, or Pauly.
Wade is such a short name it is hard to find a nickname that works. Wader is one he has had since childhood—but he doesn’t like. Still when I hear Wader I think of Wade’s favorite Aunt Raena and because of her it lives on.
Wyatt had bunches of nicknames when he was small; Superchunk and WyWy lasted the longest. When I hear Superchunk, I instantly see Wyatt as a 6 month old with rolls on top of his rolls. He was the chunkiest baby I have ever seen.
I am certain I have mentioned my obsession with baby names, one of my criteria is that a name needs to have a suitable nickname to make it on my list.
