Monday, November 11, 2013

The Cat's Out of the Bag



At my late friend's Celebration of Life service, I shared a few brief thoughts. Part of it involved a little-known nickname she used for me. Afterward, the pastor who officiated, came up to me. "I'll never think of you as Susan again. You'll always be Suze in my mind."

Several others commented on the moniker, and I had to chuckle in spite of the sad occasion. The cat was out of the bag. Now others knew the nickname used by my uncle and a few close friends.

Any time you share something on social media, in a blog post (like this one), or in a public setting, be prepared. "The cat's out of the bag." And, guess what? There's no way to get it back into the bag. So, if you don't want it out there, don't say it.

Now you know. One of my nicknames (my favorite because my uncle gave it to me) is Suze (pronounced Sooz).

Writers and Readers: Have you ever "let the cat out of the bag" in an interview or blog post? Please share.

7 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Soooooooozzzzz ... sounds a lovely endearing nickname - I had a few as a child, at school and now later in life .. I can see them popping up in emails/comments .. usually Hil, Hils, Hilly ... but the early ones haven't slipped out.

I'm sorry about your uncle - but it is lovely that you were part of his family in more ways than one .. gives a special feeling for the occasion .. and you'll always remember the Service and thoughts expressed by others ..

Have a peaceful week .. Hilary

Linda O'Connell said...

I make a habit of letting the cat out of the bag, sometimes it's intentional and other times quite by accident. You are right though, once out of the mouth, or on FB you can't get it back.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Hilary - I had to chuckle at the greeting. My uncle is alive and well. It was my friend who passed away recently. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

Hi Linda - I didn't give it a second thought when I revealed my nickname. It was essential to what I wanted to say about my late friend. The surprise came when people latched onto it with such relish!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

I like the name Suze. It suits you. My sister Wendy's middle name was Susan, and sometimes my Dad would call her Suze.

Happy Monday!
Blessings,
Karen

JD said...

I love Suze. Endearing.

My nickname growing up was J.D. My childhood friends still call me that. I like the nickname, and often sign letters and emails to friends "J.D."

Thanks for sharing this with us. Not a bad cat to let out of the bag. ;-)

Jeanette Levellie said...

I like Suze--it fits you! Sweet and lively.

Yes, I've let oodles of cats out of their bags, then had to clean up the messes.

But your little cat is harmless, I think.

Terri Tiffany said...

I like your nick name. It makes you sounds warm and even nicer!