Oh my Goddd, the age old question. My name has been the bane of my life since as long as I can remember.

The name on my birth certificate is Charlotte Rose. EURGH. I have never ever been called Charlotte in my life (except by one stubborn aunt - damn her). My name is Charley. That's C-H-A-R-L-E-Y.

It is not - I repeat NOT - Charlie. I am not male, despite having a masculine name that is not common amongst females. Other female Charleys include the imfamous Charley off BB8, which is reason enough to want to change your name, and my little sister's friend (they fell out).

Neither is my name Charlotte. "Oh, why don't you like it! It's a lovely name!" BECAUSE IT'S NOT ME, OK. MY NAME IS CHARLEY!!

There are the people that look oddly at me and say "so.. is that short for something?" before accepting me into their life with a sceptical look.

There are the people that look at me oddly and say "Char-lee? Charlie? Is that what you said?"

And there are the people that say "Okay, hey Charley!" This normally causes me to well up, become momentarily stunned, or enbark on an embarrasing speil about the plight of my name.

I've long thought about what I'd be called if I didn't have such an awkward name.

I need a name in which you do not feel forced to prove your gender on demand - "Charley... as in the boy's name?" or a name that doesn't inspire Willy Wonka quotes at various points in life.

Eg, Charley feeling upset: Cheer up, Charlie!
Charley on completion of an important task: You've done it, Charlie! You've got a golden ticket!"

A name where you don't have the inner turmoil and struggle when filling out forms: NAME: (Oh God! Do I put Charlotte? Can I put Charley?! AGH!)

I reckon I could deal with being called Jess, or Sue. Mary, perhaps. Meg. Tegan is my favourite name of all time, maybe I could stretch to that?

No, I still think Mary is safer.