Are Nicknames Truly Terms of Endearment?
Almost no one makes it through a lifetime without picking up a nickname or two. It does indeed seem to be human nature to shorten, familiarize and customize the handles by which we identify ourselves and those we hold dear. Sometimes it’s a result of a given name being out right cumbersome or next to impossible to spell. A Magdalene might become a Maggie, or a Francesca a Fran. In other instances, a second title like Shorty or Blondie could be earned as a result of an outstanding physical attribute. Of course, lovers, spouses and even parents are known to use the term “Honey” with abandon when addressing cherished partners or children. What about those nicknames? Do they play a vital role in molding our personalities as much or even more so than our given names? Oddly enough, a nickname, if used frequently will impact a person’s behavior and traits to a very significant degree. That pet name may not appear on a birth certificate, driver’s license or checkbook but if an individual ident
