Jon or Jonathan?

So, I start work on Monday. Not proper work, you understand. Part-time work. I still have a book to write.

I went for a rather excrutiating 'meet the team' morning this week, where I was introduced variously to a number of people who's names and jobs I've forgotten. Most seemed very pleased to see me which I have taken as a bad thing - they've probably got lots of work for me to do. I was also called 'luvvie' quite a lot, mainly, but not exclusively, by rotund women who gave the air of being at least 20 years settled in their current employment. I'm not being horrible - it's just a fact. They do it in shops up here too and I'm sure I never hear them saying it to anyone else. 'Are you alright there luvvie?' Maybe I give the air of a little boy lost. I've yet to be asked if I know where my mummy is, so I guess that's a bonus.

At least it temporarily bypasses the other situation I am always faced with when I start any new employment. The name on my passport, birth certificate and bank account, and therefore all job applications, is Jonathan. Most people I met on my 'meet the team' day asked, as everyone does, 'Do you prefer Jon or Jonathan?' I don't mind, I tell them. 'Well, what do your friends and family call you?' Percy.

That always gets them.