How do I ask neighbours to use my name after letting a nickname catch on?
Neighbours“Maz can show you where everything is,” my neighbour told the new resident. Then he turned to me: “That's what we all call her.”
My name is Mariam. When I moved in, he asked whether Maz was okay, and I nodded while carrying boxes upstairs. I didn't want to stop a friendly introduction over a name. Two years later, people who have never heard me introduce myself use it too.
I would prefer Mariam. My neighbour says the nickname means I belong and that changing it now would make everyone feel corrected. I can appreciate the affection and still not want the nickname.
How do I change this without giving a speech every time we meet somebody new? I would like to ask him to introduce me as Mariam and start using it myself more clearly. The friendly name should feel friendly to the person answering to it.