A young woman claims she has been branded a "bad aunt" after expressing her opinion on her pregnant sister's baby name choice. The 20-year-old says her sister, Emily, wants to call her unborn son 'Buddy', a name she personally fears will lead to him being bullied.
After Emily, who is said to be eight months pregnant, first revealed her name of choice, her baffled sister initially believed she was just "joking". However, it soon became apparent Emily was completely serious, and had her "heart set" on the name. Their parents didn't react and simply told Emily "if that's the name you want, by all means". However, the aunt-to-be felt she had no choice but to make her concerns known.
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Taking to Reddit, the worried aunt - who goes by the username u/ChanceLow5494 - wrote: "I told Emily that the name Buddy is going to get the child bullied, and that people associate that name with dogs. She got very offended, and said that she can name her kid whatever the hell she wants, and said I'm being a bad aunt.
"I didn't intend to offend Emily and tried to talk about it as respectfully as possible, if she actually goes through with this name I think she'd be making a mistake and could subject my nephew to bullying and teasing until he's old enough to change his name. I think someone had to say it."
Although she conceded Buddy is considered to be "an old name in the US", she explained she and her family are from Australia, "where Buddy is exclusively associated as a name for pets and as a nickname for young boys". Therefore, she feels it to be a "poor choice."
One person advised: "Fellow Aussie here. If it was my friend or family member I would have voiced my concerns too. You have done so, now it’s time to leave it. In my experience, even if you hate the name during their pregnancy, you learn to love it when the baby gets here, as you love them."
Another commented: "Unless she asked your opinion, there was no reason to give it. But then again, it sounds as if you meant well. So as long as you were polite, you're fine. But you've said it.
"Now that she has heard your opinion and has disagreed, let it go. Don't make fun of the name, don't I-told-you-so if he is mocked, nothing. Just concentrate on being a good aunt."
Have you chosen a baby name your family members aren't all that keen on? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
