The Stephanie Complex

People usually don't believe me when I tell them I have three sisters named Stephanie.

The original Stephanie, and my biological sister is 18 months older than me. When my oldest brother James married a Stephanie, we thought it was some weird coincidence. Then my other big brother Matt married a Stephanie as well. See? Three Stephanie Purcells.

Then there's me. I am the only Purcell daughter not named Stephanie. Things can get pretty confusing when we all get together, so naturally, we came up with some nicknames. I call Steph the original, Steph. James' wife we call Stephie Lynne. Matt's wife is Stephanie Cami. Even with the nicknames, things can get confusing. Needless to say, I get called "Stephanie" a lot.

It's kind of like a curse. Sometimes when I tell others about my name curse, I think they think I'm exaggerating the situation. Really, I'm not. Calling me by the wrong name has been going on since as long as I can remember. Sure it's understandable for people to confuse me with my sister. Siblings get mixed up all the time. Add two more Stephanie's to the family and well, the problem grew. 

Grandpa: "So, you breastfeeding that baby of yours?"

Me: "Grandpa, I'm Stacie. I don't have a baby."

But the crazy thing is, it's not just family members who slip up. I've had teachers, ward members, friends, roommates, acquaintances, all who have never even met my sisters, who can't remember my name.

Ward members: "That song was beautiful! You are so talented!"

Me: "Why thank you, but I think you meant to talk to my sister Steph. She's the singer."

Christian's old roommate: "Hey guys, how's it going? How are you Stephanie?"

Christian: ......*fidgeting awkwardly*

Me: "It's Stacie..."

And just this week, I was interviewing a professor for my job and about halfway through the interview, he forgot my name. "Stephanie, was it?" he asks.

Stephie Lynne, Stacie, Steph, Stephanie Cami

Case in point.

Sometimes it can be quite frustrating. But having lived with my curse for years now, I've sort of learned to laugh it off. I try to look at the bright side. At least when I get called "Stephanie" I'm being confused with one of my three beautiful, talented, awesome sisters.