Extra Extra! The Unexpected Power of Nicknames

All I remember is that it must have been late, because it was dark. We were deep in the mountains—maybe the Sawtooths, maybe the Beartooths—on a family trip in another state. The cousins were goofing off, holding both thumbs out at their waists, talking about how they were the "The Fonz."

I mimicked their hands and thumbs and retorted,

"Oh, yeah?!? Well, I'm The Kid."

At least, that's how family legend tells it. Branded for life.

As far as I know, that announcement launched my penchant for nicknames. Office plants got nicknames to track watering—though mostly because I enjoyed pointing at Harry (the spider fern) and Sally (the lipstick plant) and making a rom-com reference. ??

Then there's the Swoosh, the Garden, and the Triangle. These references are VERY important when we're trying to communicate within the family about different maintenance needs around the fields.

Every four-legged has had their given names: Gabe and Zoey, and their also known as: Farm Dog and Fuzzy Butt. Some are special and have more than one. Terah was one such: Love Muffin, Pineapple Upsidedown Cake (for when she went belly up), Bossy Waffle, Pushy Crumpet, Nosey Bagel, Soggy Souffle, and Frisky Biscuit--Biscuit, Biscuitini, The Biscui-nator).

And now Hallie and Zeke, or Pickle Nugget (it's a two-fer!).

Nicknames can show up all over life.

I have a collection of Old People* and Puppies**.

"You down w/ OPP?"

"Yeah, you know me!"

Cats, Kids, Cars, equipment ... My personal productivity system is named Hank. This is the margin of leisure that I aspire to.

Corny people who share your corny passion are 2 Legit 2 Quit.

Whatever the reason, over the years, I've found a few kindred spirits. Is it a little silly? Sometimes. Is it a little bit fun? Always. Can it help establish and deepen a relationship? Absolutely.

Some nicknames can (should!) be memorialized.

So much the better if it's handmade or hand crafted. Bonus if the custom work pushes you a bit outside your crafty comfort zone. The hand-knit pictured below was my first foray into designing a pattern, and first time with (very) basic fair aisle knitting. So satisfying to work, and event more so to gift. Three pattern drafts, two false starts, and thousands of stitches later, it's truly one-of-a-kind (and we both have an awesome story).

Why do I tend to give multiple names to people, pets, and things I care about? Maybe because none of us are one-dimensional—each facet of personality deserves its own expression. Or maybe I’m just a wee bit weird. Prolly both

Points to Ponder

• Is there a distinguishing feature in your relationships?
• How often do you connect on that common ground?*

?

Actionable Application

Identify a relationship you need to check in on and get something scheduled. Like a phone call, dinner, or a walk in the park; send a comic through inter-office mail ... be creative!

*Old People: see "Joy in the Journey"

**Puppies: see "Be More Dog: Puppy Edition"?