My Name Is…

My name is Melissa. In Greek it means honey bee, it is also a derivative of Melita. Melissa once seemed rare but when I was born it became mildly common. I went to school surrounded by Melissa’s. As a Melissa I was confused with other Melissa’s, especially by librarians tracking down rogue book destructors sharing the same name and initials. It sometimes meant not knowing if someone was talking to me when they called out my name. It meant being nicknamed ‘Melissa-the-kisser’ for no other reason, except that it rhymed. It meant being called Marisa when talking with strangers over the phone. Being Melissa means having a pretty name, the sound of which suits me so well. I like hearing my husband say my name. I am Melissa and it is an important part of me.