One of the questions I’m often asked is “how did you choose the name Brooke?” To be honest I had no idea how hard it was to choose a name. I now know why it often takes parents a long time to choose a name for their children. It’s funny to think how a name means so much. For example, my association with names often dictates how I feel about the people with these names. Thus is why when choosing a name it is important to pick something you are comfortable with as well as a name that seems fitting.

For me this meant that I had to “try on” different names much as a person tries on clothes at a store. It felt as if each week I was asking my select group of friends to start calling me something new. Then one day one of my friends was like “you need a strong good name, something like Brooke.” I knew almost instantly that was it, ever since I’ve been a Brooke.

Of course the story doesn’t end there, it’s one thing to tell people you’ve changed your name but it’s a whole new thing to get people to call you something new. I find it interesting that this is easier for some than others.  Some of my friends were able to change back and forth depending on where we were, others are finding the change hard. I think the thing I find the most intriguing is why is it when you change your name that people find it ok to comment. I now get comments like “Brooke, I don’t like that name” or “Brooke, what a great name.” I don’t understand why when someone changes their name it’s ok to let them know what you think. This may be one of life’s little mysteries. Oh and don’t even get me started on pronouns.

Posted on Friday, July 3rd, 2009 at 7:48 pm to Life, Transitioning