Getting used to your new name

[Martine A.]

For me this was about allowing myself to use it. I grew up in a world of forbiddances. When I was told by many people I was 'not a woman and will never be, because I am lacking certain parts' in my late 20s, I thought argumentum ad populum knew better. My ass they knew better. It is what is in the head that counts.

Apart from that, I had this one smooth. At work just responding to my name from the day one of being out. I didn't like having to turn and react on my old name anyway. Since I choose my name, I was happy when someone called me by it.

[November Fox]

I´ve completely changed to it now, it´s not as weird any more.

I don´t hear my old name often, I think that helps.
In the beginning of transition you´re in a weird stage, still hanging on to your old identity because you can´t make the leap at once (that´s how it worked for me).

I actuall get cranky now when people call me by my old name.
Progress has it´s positive and negative aspects 

[Muscle Matt]

I went from "Nat" to "Matt", and the very first time I heard "Matt", I reacted like that had been my name all along, since it sounds so close. However, it's been months now, and only a few people call me Matt in person. Due to health problems, I can't bind, and my voice hasn't seemed to change at all yet, so at work I still haven't "come out". Despite me saying I prefer my new name, my mom still calls me by my birth name. So I've had this new name for over 6 months now, and I still feel uncomfortable when people use the name. Every time I hear it, it makes me aware of everything going on in my life and it all just feels so wrong.

I'm getting top surgery next month (Feb), so I'm hoping once I'm able to get most people calling me by my preferred name, it'll get comfortable much more quickly.

At least, I really hope that's how it happens. :/