A very long time ago when I was small my brother said something to me that changed my outlook. I can only have been 8 or 9 and was teased relentlessly about having red hair and freckles. You can imagine the names I was called - ones that make other people laugh now. People often don't understand how something as innocent as a childhood name can still sting but never mind. So to bring a smile to your non ginger faces � freckle face from outer space, pebbledash features, carrot top (which I never understood as what's on top of a carrot is in fact green) and some others that are not repeatable on a site that is sometimes accessed by small people (and I don't mean my little mum) are all examples. There was one name however that really upset me and there is no real reason for it upsetting me more than any other. They used to call me Duracell. Now in the grand scheme of things, that one is mild in comparison, so why did it upset me more than any other? Or, is it like the freckle on the back of my hand, just a target for all my red hair hatred?

Anyway, Dan and I were walking home through the alleyway that led from the shops to the road along from ours and I was crying as I had again been called Duracell that day. I hated it so much that I would cry myself to sleep at times. Dan turned to me and said the first nice brotherly thing he ever said 'Don't worry Sis' you will last longer than that lot' I never cried again about that. I lifted my speckled head up high the next day and I told them I would last longer. They continued to say it. I didn't care any more though.

I was armed with big brotherly wisdom.

He gave me some more of that this morning. At least I think that is what he was trying to do. It is just a pity it isn't as simple now as when we were kids. I can't just turn to the next day fire off my one liner and not care any more.

The less sensitive ginger contingent of my readership (we know who you are) will probably remember the names, smile and wonder along with the rest of you why I let it get to me so much at the time. It just did. Things just do.

I don't understand it either.