What's In A Name?

"Oh Romeo, Romeo!"

"That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

Would a rose smell differently if it were called something else?

Juliet is clear that whatever he was called, she would still love Romeo. Examined further, the quote suggests that Shakespeare's own belief is that a name means little. To him, it is the worth of the man (person) that matters most.

Does Shakespeare's thinking ring true for you?

Cassandra Of Troy

In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a Princess of Troy. Daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba, she was admired and coveted by the great God, Apollo.

In his quest to win her, Apollo gifted her the ability to see into the future. In return for this gift, she promised him personal favours. After receiving the gift however, she reneged on her side of the bargain and refused his attention.

Her action enraged Apollo. Having gifted her sight of the future, he could not take it back. So, he added another dimension to the gift.

He cursed her and declared that, although she would prophecy the truth about the future, no one would believe her.

Cassandra was able to foresee the fall of Troy. She warned the Trojans that the Greeks would hide inside their war horse. She also foresaw her own death and her mother's fate. No one believed her. Of course, as we are told by history, Troy fell at the hands of the Greeks and Cassandra was eventually murdered.

Getting To Know You

Our names are important. We identify with them and they play a role in defining who we are. We recognise our names when we are called. Our names are tagged to our faces so we can be remembered. Our names mean something to us.

In getting to know you, we would usually start by asking:

What's your name?

Or, you may start by introducing yourself:

"Hi. I am ______________. And you are?"

Whatever your style or whichever way you choose, you will be identified by your name. Without a name you may remain faceless to many or risk being called something or someone else.

It some areas of research and study, it is suggested that your name may influence your choice of profession, life partner, where you live and whether you are accepted into certain social sectors such as schools and organisations.

Our Wealthy Affiliate Bio

When we join Wealthy Affiliate (WA), we are required to create a Bio. This serves as an introduction of ourselves to our Community Members. It is up to us to declare how we ant to be recognised and what, if anything at all, we want to be called. Many of us have what I call a 'Pen Name'. It is often some derivative of our given names and some interest or attraction.

For example, Cassi Of Troy. I love my name. It is unusual and having studied a lot of Greek history, I welcome the likeness to Princess Cassandra of Troy. I use it jokingly with my family and friends to caution them about what may happen if they do not listen to me. 🤦♀️

Although I have a Pen Name, right away you know that my given name is Cassandra. You know what I want to be called and you can communicate with me with either Cassi r Cassandra. Whatever makes you comfortable.

By What Name Shall I Call You?

I enjoy reading the Bios of other members - to get to know them. One of the first things I expect to find is. . . you guessed it . . . a name! Quite often, it is difficult and it makes me uncomfortable.

• By what name shall I call you?
• How would you like to be addressed?

It takes a lot of work sometimes to discern this as I have to search through the comments of others or look somewhere else. Although I may want to engage you or start a conversation, I am at a loss as to how to.

A simple "Hi" seems so impersonal when I would much rather say: "Hello, Andrew! How are YOU?!" There is genuine passion and interest there.

Identify Yourself To Your Visitors

So, identify yourself. Help me get to know YOU. Tell me your name. Share with me what you would prefer to be called and how you want to be addressed.

If you have not done so in your Bio, take some time out to change that.

I look forward to engaging with you, directly, genuinely and respectfully.

Live Well | Travel Light | Change The Script | Love What You Do

Cassi