'My mum-in-law lashed out when I refused to name baby after late relative'
For centuries, parents have named their children after lost loved ones and late relatives. But such tributes - as touching as they may be - aren't for everyone.
One mum who is not so keen on the idea has been left in an awkward spot because of the wishes of her mum-in-law.
The parent, who sadly lost her husband a few months ago, wants her son to name his baby boy after his dad.
But his wife, the baby's mum, has other ideas. As she explained in a post to Reddit, her husband's family, who immigrated from their home country 26 years ago enjoy a strong connection to their culture.
The mother-in-law was devastated by the mum's reaction (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)While this is something she's "always admired", she's not keen to give her baby her father-in-law's name. "I have no personal vendetta against the name, but I just don't like it or the literal meaning, it is difficult for English-speakers to pronounce, and baby-boy will grow up in the shadow of someone who was very beloved by the family," she explained.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Unfortunately, her grieving mother-in-law did not take the news well. When the couple announced their happy news at a family gathering in their home - where the mum-in-law has been staying since her husband died - her in-law was left devastated.
Recalling what happened, the mum said: "I gently told mother-in-law in the moment that we have not really started considering names, but we would like something that works across both languages so that no one has any difficulty."
Upon hearing the news, her "devastated" house guest left the table and went to her room.
"I asked my husband later if I was a bit harsh, and he said that I did nothing wrong but she is probably upset because father-in-law passed so recently," the mum's post added.
"Since then, mother-in-law has not said a word to me and my sisters-in-law have said that she told them she is unsure she could live in a house with someone who would be so rude and disrespectful."
Unsure what she should do, it was then she turned to the internet for help. "I honestly thought I was kind in what I said and in my delivery, but mother-in-law is clearly devastated and now I am not sure how to approach this.
"I tried to have a discussion with her over breakfast so we could clear the air, but she didn't even make eye contact. My husband says I need to give her space and that she would never seriously consider moving out," she penned.
However, comments could not share one clear answer, though many suggested she should be respectful but stand her ground. One person thought: "Your mother-in-law is grieving and not handling it very well. The way I see it, she's seeking to hold onto, or even regain, her husband through your child. This is, of course, impossible, but it is also inappropriate."
A second said: "She refuses to communicate, so just let her be, don't push it. She's your husband's mother, so he should talk to her." Another advised: "Let her grieve but don't use the name. Your baby, your name."
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