my one sister-in-law and brother get so offended if my nieces and nephew (the ones that are theirs) don't call me aunt, whereas my actual sister doesn't care. I have a 12 year old nephew, and being 24, it's kind of weird having him call me aunt kristin, you know? So I sort of agree.
Although, I have this one creepy Uncle John who I still call Uncle John because 1) he is and 2) it creates boundaries, and he never refers to himself as anything but John to me. We keep a close eye on him, he is the question mark of the fam.
Brian
· 2 months ago
Dude what if Uncle John reads this - what then Brennan -
Dennis Mayo
· 2 months ago
What if Uncle John was crying when he read this, did a slow head turn and said "Looks like you made me cry Uncle".
Boney
· 2 months ago
+1
Kristin Brennan
· 2 months ago
uncle john is too busy scamming on the brennan woman for such games. don't worry.
Brian
· 2 months ago
See - this came to my Blackberry and I am responding via same.
Sarah Horvat
· 2 months ago
What if you change your mind because no one is calling you 'Uncle' and you miss it? It'll be like adding a level of formality beyond awkward. It's an honorarium, but a steel door that slaps you on the way out. I became an aunt in high school and thought it was cool.
I had more fake aunts and uncles than fathomable...and one fake grandma! It took years to disseminate between aunts who were cousins, uncles who were family friends, and fake grandma neighbor lady with the mean attack chihuahua. --She was sweet. Then there are the real female relatives whose names I thought I knew until I was told they were nicknames, and one of them let their daughter choose her own nick that's her illegal real name...you know what I mean. I never had this option, and I wanted other names too. Guess there are the memories.
With formalities, I tend to call people by the name I'm first introduced. Identity definition is a good thing. Maybe you need a symbol like Prince...or a fake confusing first name.
I'm supposed to be drawing right now.
P.S. You will always be Uncle Brian even if they don't call you that.
Brian
· 2 months ago
How can I miss being called that if they never do -
I think your extended fake family tree sounds exciting. Are you drawing yet.
Sarah Horvat
· 2 months ago
Would you care if someone else became 'Uncle'? Being called 'Uncle' by little girls can be sweet! It's a special respectful attribution...an honor. I mean, how many direct aunts and uncles do most kids have? (--So my family is not a good example here with its legions.) You experienced higher generational expectations! Faux pas. Maybe cozy up and ask next time. People change their minds...you may also.
My step-grandma wasn't 'grandma,' she was her first name, and not always in a good way. It was an awkward relationship for all. I only know one distantly related family that was allowed to call her 'Aunt.' Family stories are endless. I also have 2 adopted sisters, though only one has fake legit papers! Heaven knows how large my extended fake family is. My mother has a penchant for adopting people!
I still have to draw more. A little disconcerting what I drew hopped up on espresso last night. It needs someone else's opinion...mmmh...yeah. Literally biting my lip. Bad habit.
MCBias
· 2 months ago
Oh, this is a pet peeve of mine too. I forgot to call one relative Aunt and was nearly nailed to the wall for it--and I was in my 20's!
Boney
· 2 months ago
I don't call my aunts and uncles anything... even by their names...
I just make sure they're looking at me when talk to them, otherwise they miss out on what I have to say and I move on
All Comments
Although, I have this one creepy Uncle John who I still call Uncle John because 1) he is and 2) it creates boundaries, and he never refers to himself as anything but John to me. We keep a close eye on him, he is the question mark of the fam.
I had more fake aunts and uncles than fathomable...and one fake grandma! It took years to disseminate between aunts who were cousins, uncles who were family friends, and fake grandma neighbor lady with the mean attack chihuahua. --She was sweet. Then there are the real female relatives whose names I thought I knew until I was told they were nicknames, and one of them let their daughter choose her own nick that's her illegal real name...you know what I mean. I never had this option, and I wanted other names too. Guess there are the memories.
With formalities, I tend to call people by the name I'm first introduced. Identity definition is a good thing. Maybe you need a symbol like Prince...or a fake confusing first name.
I'm supposed to be drawing right now.
P.S. You will always be Uncle Brian even if they don't call you that.
I think your extended fake family tree sounds exciting. Are you drawing yet.
My step-grandma wasn't 'grandma,' she was her first name, and not always in a good way. It was an awkward relationship for all. I only know one distantly related family that was allowed to call her 'Aunt.' Family stories are endless. I also have 2 adopted sisters, though only one has fake legit papers! Heaven knows how large my extended fake family is. My mother has a penchant for adopting people!
I still have to draw more. A little disconcerting what I drew hopped up on espresso last night. It needs someone else's opinion...mmmh...yeah. Literally biting my lip. Bad habit.
I just make sure they're looking at me when talk to them, otherwise they miss out on what I have to say and I move on