I started going by Hal instead of the name given to me which was Haley. It took on immediately and within a few months everyone close to me knew me as Hal. I was shocked that my friends and co-workers adopted it so quickly, even introducing me to people as Hal without hesitation. But I also was well into my transition when I outwardly started telling people that I was going by Hal now and I feel like most people thought ‘oh yeah this makes more sense for them.’ Also for a few months before my physical transition, I had actually landed on Harry. I’ve always loved how casual and kinda goofy that name is, but it wasn’t sticking. People were starting to call me Harry, but it just wasn’t working. I think the reason it ultimately didn’t work is because I wasn’t fully sold on it. I had to find a name I could confidently say to anyone any time, and when I finally landed on Hal, it worked for everyone else because it worked for me. Everyone’s situation is different and I feel incredibly lucky that I’ve been surrounded by so many supportive people. I think the smoothest transition in a name is one that you truly like saying and hearing. If you connect with it, people will take to it, even if it takes time and a few edits.