That Which We Call a Rose

I’ve been running into friends – both new and old – who have no idea what to call me.

“Who the hell is Catherine Durkin Robinson? You’re Katie Furey.”
“Do you prefer Catherine, Kate or Katie?”
“May I call you Cathy? It’s the easiest name to remember.”

Originally, I was Catherine Furey. Years after Bio Dad left, I legally replaced “Furey” with “Durkin” – my mother’s name. Marriage explains “Robinson”.

I have silly nicknames – don’t we all? – like “Cakes” which is what my brother called me before he could speak properly. Another one given to me in college rhymes with Plethora and is in reference to my… Actually, “Cakes” is the only silly nickname I can reveal without embarrassing my mother.

I HATE HATE HATE when people shorten “Catherine” to “Cathy”. Totally rubs me the wrong way. (Lifelong friend “Cathy/Cat” is so utterly irreplaceable that the names can’t possibly belong to anyone else.) Besides, what’s wrong with “Catherine”? It’s elegant, refined, and since I’m neither, at least a dignified name is nice. Lots of people use it – Mom, almost everyone in Boston, co-workers and older relatives. Smartass cousin Karen calls me “Catherine Ann” just to get on my nerves, but I’ll still answer to it day or night.

A good majority of friends use “Katie”. I chose this nickname as a teenager because it suits me and sounds Irish. It still works for Marc (except when angry – “Catherine!” – makes me want to whip out leather and whip for fun ‘n games). Childhood/new and improved friends all use “Katie” with both disdain and love. Sounds about right.

“Kate” is somewhere between “Katie” and “Catherine”. It’s grown up without feeling formal. Becky, most cousins, and siblings use “Kate”. When posting on friends’ blogs or writing for Sticks of Fire – both bring out my saucy side – I use this name with a wink and a poke. Go ahead and call me Kate, but if you have a deep voice and dreamy eyes – don’t be surprised if I refuse to let you go.

Really, just pick whichever name you prefer and wear it out. Hell, wear me out. Most anything’s better than not being called anything at all.