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Here is the issue... I am originally Indian and was born with an Indian first name which was not too difficult to pronounce, I immigrated to the US when I was 22 and before that I changed my name to a fairly common western one. However, none of my friends back home whom I have not reconnected with for the last 15 years know of my new name.
Don't want to get into the specifics of what motivated my name change in the first place but I am a bit embarassed to reconnect with my old buddies on FB from high school although I really do want to. Part of the reason is that they all have Indian names and I don't want to convey the idea that I found Indian names to be somehow inferior or something - which is absolutely not the case as I think all names are good in their own way.
Am I thinking into this too much? I made this change a VERY long time ago and almost nobody in my immediate family and friends circle calls me anything but my current name. It seems quite awkward to suddenly revert to my previous name in the context of this reconnection with old friends.
I think that if you want to connect with your old friends you are going to have to make them aware of both your current name and your Indian name. I don't think this is such an uncommon thing amongst those that emigrate to another country and adopt new names.
Since those friends know you by your Indian name, it should come as no surprise if they respond to you using your Indian name. Regaining old friendships should be a great thing.... regardless of name change.
It may come across as I was trying to abandon my cultural roots, or that I was ashamed of my culture... some could take it that way, which could offend some. I would be disappointed if anyone took it that way but I guess I will have to find out.
I know that the OP said he didn't want to discuss the reasoning behind the name change, but to me its seems to be an integral part of reconnecting with his friends,since that would be the first thing that they would notice.
IDK, I think the reasoning has some bearing and would explain things, at least to his friends.
Why not just say that in order to get ahead in your career in the US, it was suggested to you to change your name to a more western one? And then leave it alone.
Here is the issue... I am originally Indian and was born with an Indian first name which was not too difficult to pronounce, I immigrated to the US when I was 22 and before that I changed my name to a fairly common western one.
...
I know it is a strange situation...
That's not as uncommon as you think and not strange. I know plenty of East Asian people who changed their name to something more recognizable to Westerners. It has nothing to do with inferiority. I consider it simplification.
For giggles, tell your friends that Westerners are dummies and that they/we couldn't figure out your name. That, or tell them you're undercover and had to change your name to protect the innocent.
[or you were the prosecution's star witness and are now in the witness protection program]
It may come across as I was trying to abandon my cultural roots, or that I was ashamed of my culture... some could take it that way, which could offend some. I would be disappointed if anyone took it that way but I guess I will have to find out.
You're not the first and you most certainly will not be the last. You made an adjustment to integrate better with your new home. I am an immigrant. Trust me, you're not abandoning anything.
[tell your friends something would have been lost in the translation and your new name worked better]
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