Dear Abby: Since people have been writing in about their unusual names, I thought you might be interested in hearing about mine.
My maiden name was "Bytheway" - pronounced just the way it is spelled, "By the way."We often laugh when we recall some of the names we were called - "All the way," "Part of the way" and even "Half the way."
My father was called "Mr. So be it," "Mr. As you were," and even "Mr. Bygones."
When I first met the man whom I eventually married, he said, "By the way, Phyllis, what's your last name?" I explained that he had it backward - my name was "Phyllis Bytheway" - not "By the way, Phyllis." He had a good laugh.
My husband and I recently had our 53rd wedding anniversary.
- Phyllis Bytheway Malone,
Ogden, Utah
Dear Readers: I telephoned Phyllis Bytheway Malone to congratulate her on her 53 years of marriage. I also asked if perchance the Bytheway family had their roots in England, because the name had an English ring to it.
She replied, "Yes indeed, but our name wasn't out of the ordinary; in England, there are families named Bythesea, Bythehills and Bythemill."
Dear Abby: Thank you for advising the mother of that 15-year-old girl who inherited her father's prominent nose to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. I learned that the hard way.
The general public is not aware (as I wasn't) that nose jobs, face-lifts, breast reduction and augmentation surgery are being done by dermatologists and ear-nose-and-throat doctors. Also, some gynecologists are doing liposuction!
Abby, there are many doctors who are not board-certified plastic surgeons who are doing all of the above. I don't know why this is permitted.
The public should be made aware of the difference in training, certification, and the years of specialty training plastic surgeons receive.
I had to have my nose "corrected" after I chose an ear-nose-and-throat doctor for cosmetic surgery.
You could save many readers much time, pain and money by passing along my costly experience. I am signing my name, but if you print this, please sign me . . .
- "Nose" Better Now
Dear "Nose" Better: Thank you for a valuable letter.
Dear Abby: Keep telling everyone who writes wanting to know if they should get a "nose job" to go for it. If they think they need it, they need it.
I'm 77 and would love to have rhinoplasty, but I doubt if a plastic surgeon would tackle the job on a woman my age.
Keep up the good work!
- Long Beak in Phoenix
Dear Long Beak: Don't bet on it. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in Phoenix (there are many; you could also ask your physician for a referral).
If you decide to go for it, please let me know and sign your letter "Beautiful Beak."