Pregnant Wife Angry At Redditor For Giving Her A Nickname Similar To Their Whiny Dog’s Nickname

Pupperino and Baberino

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• April 24, 2023

Nicknames are often created with the intention of being endearing or expressing affection, but sometimes, they may not be perceived as cute by the person receiving the nickname. In OP's situation, the similar nicknames for the dog and the wife were intended to be affectionate.

However, the wife did not find it endearing, especially given her current emotional state. Two years ago, OP adopted a dog and has been with their wife for 12 years since they were teenagers.

They are now expecting their first child, a miracle baby, after 16 weeks of a challenging pregnancy that has caused the wife's hormones to fluctuate significantly. Since the wife became pregnant, the dog has started to whine frequently.

The vet believes it is due to anxiety caused by the wife's difficulties and emotions during the pregnancy. OP began referring to the dog as "pupperino" when it whines. Initially, the wife would leave the room when OP used the nickname, but she recently asked OP to stop calling her by her own long-standing nickname, "Baberino."

The wife feels that the similarity between the two nicknames has tainted her own, and she no longer wants to be associated with it. A friend sided with the wife, arguing that using such a similar nickname for the dog, given the wife's current emotional state, is disrespectful.

OP acknowledges that the wife is frustrated with the dog's behavior but still does not see the issue with the nicknames. Read the full story below:

OP asks:

Two years ago, OP adopted a dog and has been with their wife for 12 years since they were teenagers. They are now expecting their first child

Since the wife became pregnant, the dog has started to whine frequently. The vet believes it is due to anxiety caused by the wife's difficulties and emotions during the pregnancy.

. OP began referring to the dog as "pupperino" when it whines. Initially, the wife would leave the room when OP used the nickname, but she recently asked OP to stop calling her by her own long-standing nickname, "Baberino."

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

OP didn't know it would upset your wife, but now that he knows...

This Redditor has an interesting experience:

The dog is probably stressing the wife out

The hormones are not really important here

It doesn't matter whether OP agrees with her reasoning

OP is sending the wrong message:

OP should definitely find another nickname

The context is the problem

OP should listen to his friend

The situation with OP, his wife, and their dog highlights the complexities of interpersonal relationships and the role that nicknames can play in emotional dynamics. While nicknames are often intended as tokens of affection, they can sometimes have unintended consequences and be perceived as insensitive or offensive.

This case serves as a reminder to be mindful of the emotions and preferences of others, particularly during sensitive periods such as pregnancy, when using nicknames or other expressions of endearment.

Damjan