Welcome to Gaia! ::

Hi guys, my first post here. Thought life issues was right for this.

Anyways, I've always disliked my name, and over years, have decided on Maria.
Maria m(a)-ria as a girl's name is pronounced mah-REE-ah. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Maria is "star of the sea" or "Love" or "Beloved".

Anyways, I'm all set and very happy with the choice, since it's not too much of a culture shock from my old name or anything.
My old name was 'Marlena' always shortened to 'Marley'.
I hated 'Marley' as it's a common dogs name, and I was abandoned by my druggie-mother (blah blah, drama) and it brings back bad memories.

I plan on officially changing it once I get the money, but to go by it now.

But the problem is, I'm fine with it...
But how can I ease my family and friends to the new Maria?

I thought maybe explaining they can still call me 'Mar' as 'Mar'ia?
And explaining it's just a new chapter in my life and I'm still me, blah...

Any ideas are loved<3
Thanks!

Thanks so much for the input.
I do find the meaning suits me a lot.
As love from family, friends, and my fiancee is the most important thing to me, and I love swimming since I feel free from the burden of my bad legs and have been told I am a great swimmer. Ha ha.

I didn't think about the idea of telling them it suited me better.