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This is my son, Christopher Mark. We call him "Topher" because thats how he used to say his name when he was starting to talk
Christopher says: And now I'm stuck with it for life. I wish people would call me by my proper name.
You say: Hi, Christopher. Look on the bright side, there are a lot worse nn's you could get stuck with, and you can tell people you're just meeting that you prefer Christopher.
You think: Christopher Mark is a nice name, but I don't think I like Topher. Besides, Christopher doesn't need any abbreviation.

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This is my son Ashley Dean
Ashley says: There's a lot of girls with the same name as me. I hate girls.
You say: Well, I think Ashley sounds much nicer on a boy than a girl; I'm glad the girls haven't stolen it away completely. You could go by Ash if you don't like Ashley.
You think: I love Ashley on a boy, but I don't like Dean much, and I especially don't like it in this combo.

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This is my daughter, Crystal Jade.
Crystal says: I like my first name, but I wish it had a more interesting spelling. I might change it when I'm older, any ideas?
Say: Krystal is nice, though I like Crystal best. Just keep in mind that a lot of people will mispell it if you change it to an unusual spelling, and make sure it's easy to see how it's pronounced. Kreeystaiyhhl is probably a bad idea!
Think: Ditto

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This is my daughter, Elizabeth Grace. She's a tomboy
Elizabeth says: I hate my name, it's too girly. Can you give me an idea for a nickname?
Say: How about Bet, Liz, or Elspeth?
Think: I don't think Elizabeth sounds girly. It's definitely a girl's name, but it sounds strong and classic, not frilly and girly. Most of the nn's sound more girly to me!