This is the reason why you give things a name

Pippa, Rubber, Winter is coming, Jenny, Tod, Lou, Bibi, Banana and I could go on like this for a while. If I have to name all the objects I have given a name in my life, I will be busy for a while. I named my first designer bag Lou, the car of Mr. X. Jenny, has given the teddy the name: Winter is coming and the Philips laser has been baptized as Pippa. Lil drives in Bibi and Kiek regularly swings her Blue Diony over her shoulder.

Giving names to things, we all do it and not just with the lab puppy that will soon transform you and your loved one into a ‘family’ or the little cute kitten for which you are on the list. And this is therefore not strange at all, girlfriend. There is even an explanation for it.

An American survey indicates that 25% of drivers give a name to their vehicle. Especially women tend to name their cars. In addition to cars, bicycles, computers, and phones also receive a name from their proud owner. But why do we give our TV a name, but not our kettle a nickname?

“There are various explanations for this,” explains psychologist Nicholas Epley. “Some objects hold as much value for certain people as a person, due to the way they look, how important they are, or other characteristics that lead us to treat objects like people. Especially in a time when our car is equipped with a voice (navigation) or self-driving features, we become even more attached to our vehicle and almost treat it like a person. Another explanation lies in the desire to understand a device that suddenly decides to stop working,‘ says Epley. This also immediately explains why you start talking to your poor car when the poor thing won't start. Come on Bieb, you can do it... Dear Lil, snickering in a corner, just admit it.

Also wanting to delineate your possession can be a reason for naming your attribute. Think of your uncle's boat or your niece's beloved stuffed animal. This way it is immediately clear whose the cuddled rabbit is. Love for the object is perhaps the most important factor in giving something a nickname. Your straightener is probably less dear to you than your hockey stick with which you have already won quite a few matches.

Ladies, who is taking Pippa home tonight? Then we at least don't have to worry about stubble at Christmas.