Question for name-changers in Mastodonland: Has anyone out there changed their first name "later" in life?

Did you do all the paperwork or did you just decide to tell people to call you something else, like maybe adopting a nickname as your moniker?

I've always loathed the sound of my name, but recently realized there's another unpleasant aspect in play.

So I'm curious. I understand the psychology; I'm more curious about the logistics and what actual people not on a Reddit thread think about it and how they approached it.

I actually had the paperwork when I was about 40, but a "friend" who changed their name at 18, basically shamed me out of it. Not surprising that I went no-contact several years later and wished I'd done that sooner.

Anyway. If you've done it, do you have any words of wisdom to share?

With gratitude in advance,
-The Artist Formerly Known As (Tafka? No. That would be weird.)

Somebody would like you to know he showed up at the beginning of an online author presentation his human was hosting and is quite pleased with himself.

#CatsOfMastodon #FediCats #Cats #HELPING

I work as a fractional nonprofit executive director in the #arts & culture sector, unconventional marketing strategist, and WordPress website builder/renovator. I also have a #jewelry design business. BFA in #textiles / art history.

Late-discovered #neurodivergent.

Often found in the great outdoors, hiking, #cycling, #gardening. I post lots of cat pics.

Longtime DIYer. Once tore the roof off my house. On purpose.

Big fan of #AltText. No genAI. Working every day on decolonizing my world view.

Nice to see all the new folks here.

Snuggled, with synchronized tails. #DailyCat September 11.

#CatsOfMastodon #FediCats #MastoCats #TabbyCat #GingerCat

Okay, I've just moved instances, so anyone getting weird follows from me, that's why.