The Name Thing…

My first name seems to be a source of never-ending difficulty. It’s HelenKay – all one word and the “K” is capitalized. I know it’s different. It was really different growing up in Lancaster County, PA in the 80s. So much so that the differentness combined with my insecurities (and need not to be different) meant that I didn’t correct people when they got it wrong. I do now. I’m fine with people shortening it to HK (that’s what my brothers call me), but for some reason Helen bugs me. I think it’s because I generally introduce myself by saying, “My first name is HelenKay” and then 9 times out of 10 the response will be, “Hello Helen.” So, in general, I’m admitting this is a pet peeve of mine. We all have them. This is mine.

So with that context, this happened today…

Me: I’ve had an account with this bank for more than 15 years but I noticed over the weekend that someone here changed my name on my account and it’s now spelled wrong.

Bank rep: It says Helen.

Me: My name is HelenKay

Rep: Kay is on here as your middle name.

Me: Yes, I know. I guessing someone thought they were fixing it, but my first name is HelenKay.

Rep: Huh, that’s weird.

Me: I thought so, too. I’m not sure why someone changed it without my okay.

Rep: I mean your name is weird.

Me:

Rep: But I can change it back.

Me: Here’s my license.

Rep: I should really have two forms of ID.

Me:

Rep:Uh, forget that. I can probably make this work.

Me: Yeah, do that.

I’m not sure what expression was on my face but it seemed to terrify the poor teller and get the name changed back. We’ll see if it sticks this time.