On Spelling

I should be writing a paper right now, but I cannot. Partly because my research is frustrating me, and partly because one of my major pet peeves happened to me three times today and I need to vent about it.

My name, my real name in case you didn't know, is Lindsey. L-I-N-D-S-E-Y.

I know there are thirteen million variations out there on the spelling of that name, but seriously, when someone emails you, and signs their name, is it really so hard to spell it correctly when you respond to their email?

When I was in high school I received an award from my French class, and my name was spelled really really ridiculously wrong. I received this award from the French teacher I had had for the last three years. That means she saw my name Monday through Friday when taking attendance. She saw it written on my papers and tests. She saw it when she wrote my score down in her gradebook every time she graded one of those papers and tests. FOR THREE YEARS. And yet, the spelling on my award was Lyndsay.

Really?

Is it really so hard to read and spell correctly? Especially when a long email correspondance is taken up? Wouldn't you notice at some point that you're spelling a person's name wrong?

I recognize I am sensitive on this issue. Friends, family members, sacrement meeting programs, awards, pens, key chains in the shape of states, and actresses that are drunken messes have all been spelling my name wrong for years. Sometimes I may end up spelling a person's name incorrectly, but I try really hard to pay attention to the proper spelling when I see it, and if I do spell someone's name wrong, I apologize.

Is it really too much to ask that when you see my name, written down by me on something, like an email, or a letter that you're going to respond to, that you use that to spell my name correctly in your response? It's right there. You don't have to go look for it. You don't have to call me and ask. Just look at what I wrote. Right there. In front of your face. Stop spelling my name wrong.

Lindsey, Lindsey, Lindsey, Lindsey.

I can't take it anymore. It is completely ridiculous. I'm changing my name. What is something nobody ever spells wrong? I need suggestions.

Comments

The Petersons said…
Bob. I think you're pretty safe with Bob.

xoxo,
Debra
Oh, wait, that's not how you spell my name :)
Regs said…
My name is always, ALWAYS spelled wrong, too. I totally understand. And Elizabeth is not really ever spelled any other way. Or Alice. Or Mary. None of which fit you, by the way. :-)
Lindsey Hubble said…
:) And what confuses me the most is how anyone could ever spell it wrong, I mean there is only one way to spell it- L-I-N-D-S-E-Y!! Best.Name.(and spelling).Ever! :) :)
Jessica said…
I thought mine was pretty safe but then I heard of a girl who spelled her name Jesika
Anonymous said…
You could just go by an initial, like "L". But, then people would spell it "Elle" or something. Just be glad your name isn't Helen, then people misspell it as HELLen, which always makes me feel awkward. Love mom.
Ruth said…
I apologize. I just realized I am one of those who didn't look at the fine print and didn't notice the details. I just changed your name to the correct spelling on my blog link. I read this awhile back and posted on it but it didn't go through but just now I checked and sure enough I am a contributor to your distress. (embarrassed) I also was puzzled that a good friend had my name spelled Mackie in her email listing my name. She's known me a long time. Mackie? I hope I don't get tested on your baby sister Maddy's name. I can call her that and not try to remember how its spelled. "A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet!" Thinking of you as you finish your year out, prepare for sis wedding and travel home. Hope you are feeling better!!

Sorry again...LINDSEY.

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