New Dad Furious With Wife's Indecisiveness Regarding Their Three-Week-Old Baby's Name

"I told her we need to choose soon."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• November 8, 2023

Between the joy and excitement that comes with welcoming a newborn into the world, one crucial decision often lingers in the background - choosing the perfect name.

This decision can sometimes be straightforward, while other times, it becomes a source of tension and uncertainty between parents, as evident in a recent Reddit post where a father seeks advice on whether he's in the wrong for pressuring his partner to name their three-week-old son.

OP and his partner welcomed their son into the world three weeks ago. They had created a list of potential names but hadn't settled on a final one before the birth, believing that it's often best to see the newborn before making a decision.

OP had a favorite name in mind and shared it with his partner, but she had not yet finalized her choice. However, as time passed, OP realized that his assumption that they would quickly decide on a name was incorrect.

He asked his partner about her favorite name a week after the birth, and she mentioned that she was still thinking about it. Even now, she continues to contemplate the name, stating that they have plenty of time.

OP felt that time wasn't the primary concern and that it was important to start referring to their son by his name to help him become accustomed to it. He also believed that the delay in choosing a name might indicate a deeper issue.

When he inquired about the reasons behind her uncertainty, his partner explained that she was constantly evaluating the options and couldn't make a decision. Feeling that the situation wasn't likely to change, OP expressed the need to make a decision soon.

However, his partner felt that he was pressuring her and argued that there was no rush despite almost a month having passed since their son's birth. OP sought opinions on whether he was in the wrong for wanting to choose a name promptly.

OP's baby was born three weeks ago without a finalized name. While OP expected to choose a name shortly after the birth, their wife hasn't made a decision yet.

OP is concerned that delaying the naming process might have deeper reasons

OP suggested she choose soon, but she feels pressured.

Not naming him could lead to problems

Names are essential for identifying individuals, and not having one for a child can be disconcerting.

Naming a child should be a shared decision.

OP needs to choose a name for the child soon, or there could be problems with identity documentation later on.

It's the state that's putting pressure on her, not OP.

Waiting longer likely won't make the decision easier, and OP's wife might regret it later.

Pressure to find a name is understandable, after three weeks it's time to make a decision.

It seems like OP tried to use logic, but his wife might need emotional support at this time.

Naming a baby is a significant decision, but it seems like OP's wife might be overthinking it

OP is not in the wrong for wanting to choose a name for their son promptly. Delaying the naming process for an extended period can potentially create confusion for the child and make it harder for them to identify with a name.

OP's concerns about starting to refer to their son by his name and allowing him to become accustomed to it are valid. It's a practical consideration that shows a thoughtful approach to parenting.

OP and his partner should have an open and honest discussion about this and do what is in their child's best interests.

Damjan