Picking a name for a baby is a long process for many couples, since not everyone likes the same names. Agreements can be hard to come by even in the most amicable relationships, though I think a majority of couples do agree on the fact that the two parents should come to a joint decision on the matter somehow.
This woman and her husband are pregnant for the first time and super excited to be parents. Her husband’s friend, who is infertile (and has lied about that fact to two prior wives), is also very excited.
He has made multiple gifts for the baby, and is starting to make OP uncomfortable.
My husband (m33)s best friend (m37) Will is infertile. He got divorced 2 times because of it and because he lied and hid his infertility. And his life hasn’t been the same the day he was told he can’t have kids.
He has always had a soft spot for children and when he found out that my husband and I are expecting, he was so thrilled and started buying us gifts and decor pieces that he made from his woodwork for the baby.
My husband thinks that those are all nice gestures but I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable especially with how much he keeps mentioning the baby.
When the couple learned they would be having a boy, he begged them to use the name he had picked out for his own eventual son.
OP’s husband agreed immediately, and got angry when OP outright refused to let someone else name their child.
A few days ago, my husband and I found the gender of the baby. The minute we told Will, he started calling the baby a random name he picked and was going to give to his baby if he wasn’t infertile.
He then started begging us to use this name and my husband said it was a “done deal”. I refused but my husband called me heartless and asked me to do this one small, nice gesture for his struggling friend to give him closure and honor him after all the things he has done for us.
When the friend overheard the argument he left the house, and her husband followed, not returning until the following day.
OP is wondering whether or not she picked the wrong hill to die on here, and wants to hear Reddit’s thoughts.
I flipped and said it’s my baby not his. Will heard this and left immediately. My husband yelled at me saying it’s his baby too and my behavior towards Will was abhorrent.
He left after him and didn’t come back til the morning. He kept saying the same thing and pressuring me to agree on the name but I refused.
AITA for choosing this hill to die on?
We’re posting some of the best judgements below!
First of all, several people in the comments are wondering whether something funny might be going on between her husband and his “friend.”
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And there is also plenty of concern that his odd behavior is being dismissed because he’s a man.
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This commenter thinks his behavior is as sad as it is worrisome.
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Others think OP should be concerned about letting the friend – and maybe her husband – around the baby unless she’s awake and alert.
Image Credit: Reddit
But seriously this should be a no-brainer.
Image Credit: Reddit
Mom and Dad can name the baby and really, no one else should be asking.
Would you entertain a naming request from a close friend in this situation? Tell us in the comments why or why not!
