What is a name? We all know that answer, right? Or do we really?

In most cases, places on the Internet allow us to create our own user name. It was that way in the Lounge. It allows you to keep your privacy and for people like me give us a little courage to reach out to others. Letting a person create their own user name allows you to personify that name. For me, ShyKnight fit two of my personality traits. The Mad Lurker showcased my tendency to just hide around the corner and listen. Then there was PoetChef for another account which showcased my love of literature and cooking. And last but not least, PartTimeBard which was the musician part of me.

I must warn you that you should be careful of autocorrect when creating your user name which I know from personal experience. I was signing up for a singles app and thought I would use PartTimeBard for my user name. I typed it in and clicked create account before I realized autocorrect had change it to…

PartTimeBarf.

Yes, I was now PartTimeBarf on a dating app. And of course, it wouldn’t let me change the name. So there I am forever PartTimeBarf.

But let’s get back to what a name really is. A name alone is meaningless. It is just a collection of characters put together. There is nothing there. What makes a name stand out is you. You give your name strength, emotion, meaning. It’s how you act and treat those around you that defines your name.

You are what a name truly is.