Changing my first Name - would this be weird?

[Willowcat77]

I am called Valerie and have never liked my name. It doesn't feel like me and I don't feel connected to it. I hate it even more when people call me Val. I would like to change my name to something like Willow or Daisy. Would this be weird? I am 54 so I have left it quite late! I don't know what reaction I will get from family and friends - possibly bafflement and ridicule! What would your reaction be if a friend or family member decided to do this?

My dh changed his name when he was thirty. His parents still call him by his birth name but every one else just sort of switched over.

I would definitely change me name if id disliked it for a long time like this.

If people are baffled then tell them why, like you did in your OP.

And if they ridicule you then either they are just ribbing you and you need a nice soft response or they are being horrible to you in which case you do't need their opinion.

Thanks @savoycabbage I think I will go for it!