Steph(anie)

There were years in my life when I would nearly claw your eyeballs out if you didn't say my whole name when addressing me. I went back and forth in phases. I've been in a pretty consistent phase lately. But there are a few rules. At this stage, most of you reading this would probably qualify to call me Steph. Because you know me and I know you. And this isn't exactly stringent. It qualifies if we've spoken — in person — two or three times. If I haven't corrected you yet, you're probably safe. But it irks me somewhat when people I barely know call me Steph. I wouldn't just shorten your name if I barely know you! Who gave you permission to call me that? They're lucky I'm past the clawing your eyeballs out phase.

While we're on the topic of my name, did you know that Stephanie means crowned? I think my parents hit that nail on the head (get it? head?), don't you?