My legal, given name is Cynthia. Hate it. Want to tick me off, then call me that. My immediate family calls me Sis; always have, always will, and that's fine. Even my thirty-something nephew still calls me Aunt Sis. When I was a kid, the only time I got called Cynthia was when I was in trouble for something - usually with my parents. There was a name progression, based on the level of trouble. "Sis" on a Trouble Scale of 1 - 5, didn't even register. "Cindi" meant they were a tad bit irritated. "Cynthia" meant turn around and pay attention or else. "Cynthia Sue!" meant my ass was grass. Maybe therein lies the trouble with my hatred for the name; I don't know. I just know I don't like it.
In my rebellious teens, in an effort to be different (although I didn't realize how different I was yet), I started spelling my name "Cindi" with an "i" instead of a "y". Much confusion ensued. Teachers and friends got it wrong all the time, but I really couldn't blame them, now could I? Still, I'd get miffed if they continued to spell it wrong after three or four courteous corrections. And this continued into adulthood - right up to today. When people have to write my name in front of me, I always politely say, "That's Cindi with an "i" at the end." (Wish I had a quarter for everytime I've said that.) Still, they muck it up. In letters and cards, I sign them "Cindi," yet, if I get a return letter or card from that person, nine times outta ten it's addressed to "Cindy." Ugh. My e-mail addy at work has my legal name, and is the standard "Cynthia.blahblah@blahblah.org" but my signature line is a bold "Cindi BlahBlah." Can't mistake it, yet...you got it...return e-mail comes back with "Dear Cindy."
Every once in awhile, someone thinks they've got it all figured out, and sends me something with "Cyndi" on it. Now I suppose that could be considered the correct shortening of "Cynthia," but if these nitwits were paying any attention at all they would see there are no freaking y's in my name. So that' s why my blog is titled "It's Cindi with an i Dammitt."
PS. When my son was born, we named him Bryan. Not the standard "Brian" with an "i", but "Bryan" with a "y". I'm a pain in the ass, aren't I?
PSS. My closest friends, including my partner, call me Cin. I used to think it was a term of endearment...now I'm wondering if they are just trying to avoid the whole i vs. y thing.
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