My friend doesn't want anyone calling her newborn son anything but his full name. What do you think?

Question

Basically, she has a newborn son, which she has named Johnathan. I have accidentally called him John several times, although I am trying to respect her wish. We got in an argument today, because I told her that she should have thought about naming him Johnathan if she didn't want anyone to call him John.

She said that people need to respect her wish or they don't have to be around the baby. I explained that I will definitely try to respect her wish, but she is going to be fighting the world all of his childhood life.

I have chosen to try not comment on the subject anymore and try hard to call him just Johnathan, but it is actually getting under my skin.

My personality is not the type to walk on eggshells, and I am trying to not argue with her about her wish. I just feel that it will be very challenging.

Am I out of place or overreacting? What do you think about the situation? I cherish this 15 year friendship.

Answer 1

It's her kid. She chose a name she liked. Maybe she hates the name John. Try to respect her. When he's bigger, take him out sometimes and give him a proper nickname. But when Mom's around, let it be.

Answer 2

A 15 year friendship will survive if you accidently call him John. If you are doing it to prove a point or try and annoy though it is something else. Mom is obviously very proud of the name that she has selected and it is only thoughtful to respect her wishes at present. But as Johnathon ages he will be called other names and Mom will just have to accept that when the times comes. I'm sure that you can see how proud of her child she appears to be and just wants to have her own way at present.

Answer 3

This question made me think about my personal experience a bit. I realized that for me when I am first introduced to a person, the name I am told is the name that I use. Even if find out later that they do have nicknames, I will always address them by that first name. Maybe I am the only one who does this? My daughter has been given a few nicknames by family and close friends, but it doesn't bother me as much as your friend let's it get to her. Is she a bit controlling perhaps? Likes things her way?

All I can say is to do your best to respect her wishes and call her son by the name she prefers. It shouldn't be that hard. Just repeat it over and over in your head, eventually you will train your brain.

Answer 4

I think you're both overreacting.
She has the right to name her child whatever she wants (and have him called whatever she wants) and you shouldn't have pointed out that people will call him John; I'm sure she thought about that.
On the other hand, she shouldn't get so defensive when people do call him John. My son's name is Thomas and if someone calls him 'Tom' or 'Tommy' I simply remind them that his name is Thomas. When people ask me 'What if he wants to be called Tom when he's older?' I tell them that when he's older he can make that decision for himself but right now he'll be called Thomas. He's almost 3 and I honestly have only had 1 or 2 people ever call him Tom or Tommy.

Answer 5

Tell her to bend ever so slightly, reach behind her, and slowly pull that stick out of her as s... lol, jk (kinda)
As a friend, regardless of her silly and totally rediculous wishes, respect her opinion and call him what she wants him to be called....
He's a newborn, most likely she'll get over the newness, and not be so anal about everything.
Avoid the arguments, and respect her wishes... she sounds like the type of friend you need to very carefully pick your battles with.
Good luck!

Answer 6

So, what's she going to do? Snap at everyone that doesn't call him by his given name? When he's old enough to go to school, she's going to go with him to make sure that everyone says his name the right way? Then, yell at anyone and everyone who doesn't? I think she's being way over-sensitive about this. You're absolutely right; she'll be fighting the world. But, as her friend, you call him, Johnathan.

Answer 7

Many people will do what you did. My name is Stephanie and people call me Stef, Steffie, Stef Luva and all kinds of things. However, until the boy is grown or until she gets tired of battling all the different people who she will come in contact with she will just have to come to grips that there will be absolutely nothing she can do to stop people from doing that. I named my son Michael and all these years I have called him Mikie but now he is 18 and I still call him Mikie. It's my child and people tell me I should stop calling him Mikie and call him Michael or Mike because he's all grown up now.

Answer 8

she just had a baby nothing is normal she is getting no sleep very little food and her body is not even slightly attractive plus her hormaones are raging. give her a little slack be a good friend and ask her if you can give him a nickname for just you and him. a 15 yr friendship i would consider you aunt material let her know that its not deliberate you are just trying to bond with him. quite frankly if she named him king tut the royal fart then thats his name after all she did give birth.

Answer 9

She named him Johnathan and he or she calls him Johnathan so why would you be calling him John? I agree consisting of your chum i for my section chosen a popularity for my son which could no longer have a nickname linked with it because of the fact of human beings such as you. admire her needs or end your friendship because of the fact have faith me 15 yrs or no longer you at the instant are not any the place close to as significant to her as her son.

Answer 10

respect her. first time moms get over emotional about small issues. Things might change and not bother her but for now relax and be respectful. its not up to you to argue or tell her about his hard childhood. your out of line