The names we have

3. Did you have a nickname as you were growing up?
Not really.  It seems I escaped the nicknames for the most part.  I do have cousins who nickname is the only name I can recall.  For the life of me I could never tell you their actual legal name.  As a matter of fact a cousin asked me to be her friend on FACEBOOK and I declined because I didn't recognized the name. One of my other cousins asked me if I friend so-n-so and I was in show as the name.  A little embarassed, but we're  friends now. :-)  I have cousins/aunts/uncles with nicknames like: Dottie, Shakey Jakey, Smooky, Stanky, Payne, Muggs, Dutchie, Punkin, Hog, Sqormy, Dohb, Panny.  This list could be very lengthy.  My sister has entertained may nicknames: Luck(y)-this what most of us call her, but there is also, Lanny, B.U.L, and Lan. 

Growing up no one really called me much else, other than Nakia.  I've had variations of it or shortened versions I allowed or even suggested.  So I have been called, Nikki, Nik, Nee, or Neenee. and some still call me Ms. Nik, Jackson.  None of them bother me.  I like them all.

4. Have you had nicknames as an adult?
Madea.  "My girls" call me this.  Why?  I remind them of Tyler Perry's character Madea in his movies.  I don't take anybody's crap and I speak kindly, but direct.  I also add a little humor.  I am very proud to be called Madea.  I love my kids & "my girls" and I want nothing but the best things in life for them.  I don't want them to ever question my care and concern for them.  I would never lead them astray.  That is how I see the character.  I pray that I am a good influence for my kids to stand up for what they believe and not back down from a challenge.

But to most, I am simple known as Nakia or Sister Armstrong :-)