Dave or David

My birth certificate says David, but I've gone by Dave since I was in Grade 7. It was a conscious choice. Seemed cooler at the time.

My dad didn't like the switch.

"I didn't name you Dave. I named you David." I think parental disapproval just added to the appeal.

It might be the public radio nerd in me talking, but David is growing on me. Seems more grown up.

I met an older man a few weeks ago as part of a story I was writing. I introduced myself as Dave.

"Dave?" he scoffed. "Your parents gave you one of the strongest names out there, and you thank them by going around with the nickname of a 10-year-old boy? Dave."

Which do you prefer?