damm, that’s a fine name

My last name is pretty weird. It’s Damm. Technically pronounced “Domm” but more often spoken by others as it looks (a mild curse word that I happen to love pretty damn much). It’s so often said wrong by people that I honestly don’t even notice anymore. I find that when I do notice enough to correct people they often say, “Well why didn’t you tell me before?” My bad.

I remember once as a youngster I was looking through a phone book and saw another “Damm.” I was overjoyed. I was no longer alone! A few minutes later my dad pointed out that the listing was for my grandfather, whom I knew exclusively as “grampy.” Who knew grandparents had real names?

So, who cares if I have a really strange last name right? I certainly don’t, and that’s exactly what I’m trying to get at.

As a kid I was extremely embarrassed about my last name (as well as my abnormal amount of arm hair as a grade schooler) and it got me into some uncomfortable situations.

I remember one time I even LIED about what my last name was. It’s outrageous to think about now but self-conscious 12 year old me thought it was like the best idea ever.

Somewhere along the line, and I can’t remember exactly when, I made the choice to just roll with it. I was going to laugh at the jokes people made (they were abundant) and take it all in stride.

In making the choice to stop worrying about such a meaningless thing I learned two lessons that have helped me a lot.

First, if you are not able to laugh at yourself, you need to take a serious look at your life. When did everything become so serious? People don’t want to be around someone who is uptight. So laugh, even if it is at your own expense.

Next, a situation is only as uncomfortable as YOU want to make it. In the past when someone would mispronounce my name or say something like, “That’s a “damn” fine name you have there!” I would get all embarrassed and look at the floor. By simply laughing at my own somewhat unfortunate name (my ancestors switched from Van Damme, which is so badass and I wish they kept it) and understanding the true humor it it for some people these awkward situations were instantly gone.

It became more of a topic of conversation than anything. A neat ice breaker, if you will.

Next time you find yourself in a situation where you feel embarrassed about something, or even the slightest bit uncomfortable, loosen up by thinking of the lessons I’ve just shared. Life’s too short to let your insecurities and little quirks take over and hold you back.

Embrace your weirdness (or uniqueness), and I guarantee things will go pretty Damm well for you.