There can be massive amounts of pressure on future parents to give their child a unique name — one that really stands out and expresses their essence. Sometimes extended family members do not agree with the future parents about names and are not shy about making their opinions known. One brother did just that, but he might have taken it too far.
He called his sister a bad future parent and is now regretting his actions. He asked Reddit if he was in the wrong. The comments were full of people who agreed with his message but maybe not his delivery.
The story begins ...
The brother told the whole story. “Ok, so just a little context because this topic is incredibly touchy for me,” he began. “I am a man who was given a woman's name at birth. A good example is naming your son Alice. It's not what my name was but it's close. My parents are hippies and gave their oldest son a girl's name to 'stick it to the man' and I will never forgive them for it. That name caused me to be bullied and damaged my professional life in ways I cannot describe. My sister is pregnant with her first child. A girl. She and her husband are ecstatic, it just sucks that she inherited my parent's stupid propensity to see their children as fashion statements. Last night, she revealed to the family the name of her daughter.”
The name is revealed.
“It's Krxstxl,” he continued. “She wants to name her daughter Krxstxl. Confused, the name is pronounced Crystal. I already don't like that name but it's at least appropriate. I was not surprised to learn that my mom helped come up with the name. When she told me, I told her it was a terrible idea. If she wants to name her Crystal, name her Crystal. She tried to explain to me why the x's are there and I just told her it does not matter. She's naming a human, not a dog. I don't care what kind of fashion statement she's trying to make, this is a person who will have to live with that name until they die or has it changed.”
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Things take a turn for the worse.
This is when things got a bit heated. “She and my mom brushed me off as just complaining because I was never able to accept my name. I told my sister she was being either selfish, stupid, or an incredibly strong combination of the two if she thinks her daughter will want a stupid name like Krxstxl. We got into an argument and I told her I already see her and her husband as shitty parents for using their kid to be off-brand with her name and left right after,” he continued.
Did the brother go too far?
The brother does regret that he and his sister argued and that she is hurt. He is worried he might have gone too far. “My sister is not taking it well at all and my mom is furious with me. I'm starting to wonder if I was too harsh. I will not change my opinion on that incredibly stupid name. But I'm wondering if branding her as a [expletive] parent was too far,” he concluded.
Many people don't think the brother is wrong.
Surprisingly, many in the comments are on the brother’s side. Seems like there are a lot of people who can relate to having weird names and being teased for it. “As someone who changed their name the moment they turned 18, you’re right,” wrote one user. “She is stupid. It's a horrendous name that will do nothing but get the child bullied. It’s not 'unique' or cute. Her child is not an accessory. I personally think stupid crap like this should fall under child abuse.”
Unique names are not as fun as they seem.
Another user agreed: “As a fellow uniquely named person, I 100% agree. I hated my name growing up, and 50+ years later, I still have to answer questions about it daily. When my kidlet came out as trans and wanted to change their name, I got it done for them as soon as I could get my ex-husband to agree. No one should be saddled with someone else's idea of a 'cool' name.”
'A bit harsh'
Some people did take issue with how the brother’s message was convened. “Perhaps you were a bit harsh,” wrote one user.
“You were harsh. And probably coming from a place of resentment about your own name,” wrote another.
Use the chance to be a cool uncle.
One user offered some sage advice: “You had every right to voice your opinion, harsh or not, however I do suggest you find a way to make peace. If for nothing more than the baby. If she hates her name, she may need a confidant who can relate. .”
Everyone needs an awesome uncle who has their back.
