The author reflects on the insecurities tied to their name, Amarilis, which clashed with the masculine names in their traditional Italian family. Growing up amid frequent ridicule from male relatives diminished the author's self-esteem, causing them to adapt their identity by introducing themselves with a surname instead. Ultimately, the pressure led to a name change that unsettled their parents, who cherished the uniqueness of Amarilis. The author's experiences underscore how a name can influence perceptions in social and professional settings, revealing challenges tied to gendered assumptions and cultural background.
I grew up insecure about my name because it didn't seem as masculine as others in my family. The jokes from cousins and uncles deeply affected my self-esteem.
When I changed my name to my great-grandfather's, my parents were shocked. They couldn't understand why I would want to abandon Amarilis, which they loved.
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