Everyone has a story behind their name, but I never imagined mine would be painted in bold blue letters across the side of a boat. Yet there it was—“Marie”—gleaming on the stern of a brand new sailboat, moored at the city marina. The shock wasn’t just the name; it was who had chosen it: my ex-boyfriend, Dylan.
When Dylan and I were together, he always joked about naming his future boat after something meaningful. I never thought much of it, assuming he’d choose a family name or a favorite place. But one night, scrolling through social media, I saw the post: “Meet Marie, my dream come true.” The comments were full of congratulations, sailing emojis, and the inevitable question: “Who’s Marie?”
My phone buzzed with messages from mutual friends. “Isn’t that your middle name?” “Did you know about this?” I felt a flush of confusion and disbelief. We hadn’t spoken in months, and he hadn’t asked—not even a quick text to say, “Hey, hope you don’t mind.”
The Ripple Effect
The next time I saw Dylan at a friend’s party, the boat came up almost immediately. “So, you named your boat after me?” I joked, trying to keep it light. He grinned, a little sheepish. “I always liked that name. It’s classic, you know?”
We danced around the awkwardness, but the truth lingered between us. Part of me felt flattered—after all, it’s not every day someone immortalizes you in fiberglass and paint. But another part felt exposed, as if a private part of my identity had become public property, open for everyone to see and speculate about.
What I Learned
Names are personal, and the stories behind them are even more so. I realized it’s okay to feel a mix of pride and discomfort when someone from your past lays claim to your narrative, even in a seemingly small way. I learned to laugh it off when friends teased me, but also to speak up when the situation felt too weird. “It’s just a name,” I told myself, but it’s also a piece of me.
Dylan and I talked it out. He apologized for not giving me a heads up, and I admitted it was both strange and strangely touching. We moved on, with a better understanding of each other’s boundaries.
Final Thought
If someone names their big adventure after you—boat, business, or song—let yourself feel whatever you feel. It’s your story, too. Sometimes the most unexpected tributes are the ones that teach you what you want to protect, and what you’re ready to let sail.
