I wonder if the new husband feels threatened by her past? It is only a middle name after all.

He will only be known by his first name anyway. She could have hyphenated her last name when she married you to keep her previous husband’s memory alive but she didn’t. Is it really worth all the hassle just for a middle name?

not an easy one, I can see both sides

Hmmmm. This requires understanding on both sides and communication. What is it that bothers the husband now? It’s not the first name, that would be weird. But it is a nod to someone who was very important to her. An interesting one, but what is it worth to you?

The fact she’s opened her heart again to you is such a compliment. Her ex is part of her history and made her into the woman you love today. You should thank him for his contribution and you made a promise to love, honour and protect her. What a lovely way to thank him.

I can understand you not feeling comfortable, but in the same token – her first husband died, and it was very tragic. I think if the wife wants this as a middle name you should try to be accepting of it. If it was any other family member, you likely wouldn’t have a problem, so why should this be different? You are allowing yourself to have feelings of jealously towards a memory, a person who is gone.

I can understand how uncomfortable it can be and hard to accept being a previous partners name. But in this situation, the name should be part of the middle name. Maybe give your son two middle names, one you could select in honour of another male and she can have her ex hubby as well. Her life was ripped apart when she lost her first hubby. Still grieving is a hard process. And for her to find new love and is happy with you, she will always have a part of her heart with him.
Definitely nitot an a-hole of a partner, you need to be in her shoes to understand.

I doubt your wife will ever forget the name of her first husband who was tragically taken from her. Just maybe giving your son his middle name will be a way to deal with her grief and make your lives happier. I am sure that if your son’s middle name was after either your or your wife’s father who had tragically died, this question wouldn’t even come up. It certainly doesn’t mean she loves you any less.

I can understand her wanting this. He isn’t an ex, he was a big part of her life and still loves him.

Its the middle name and only in memory of someone that was a huge parh of her life. Its only a middle name, not the first.

I understand her reaction, I guess, but I think she’s wrong.

This is a tough one as so many emotions are involved.
Firstly you need to understand that there was no big break up. Her first husband was taken from her. I know what that feels like. She loved/loves him. That doesnt mean that she doesnt love you just as much. its like when you have another child. You dont love the first one less so you can love child number 2. Love multiplies, it doesnt divide.
I am involved now with a wonderful man who lost his wife so we are both in the same boat. He has photos everywhere of his wife and he asked me if it bothered me. I told him that it honestly didnt as it was his home and thats where he lived with her. He talks about her often and I talk about my husband. They are both part of our lives. I know his love for her will never leave and thats ok. its not a competition and its totally different to getting involved with someone who is still in love with their ex.
You need to understand that your wife will never stop loving him and he will always be a huge part of what makes her her. Just love her and get over being jealous of her dead husband and understand she loves you but she will love and respect you even more if you can go to her and tell her that you have thought about it and if it makes her happy then you understand. You will drop the silly jealous feeling and understand that it doesnt mean she loves you any less. Show her what an awesome Man you truly are.

If it were me, I’d disagree as well.
I think it would just hurt thinking that she might be wishing the child was the late hubby’s – I know a lot of friends who get called more often by their middle name rather than their first.

lol maybe the baby is her late husbands? That’s so strange to do that!

I think I’m with dad here. How weird will that be to explain to their son?

I had read that Australians own Business woman and model Miranda Kerr named her first born son – Flynn – after her high school sweetheart whom she lost in a car accident. Understand it’s may not be exactly the same situation, but at the time it was love and loss.

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 02 Mar 2024 , 7:19 am

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  It does show that we’re all different in feelings and opinions

Naming a child is very important and is forever. I think it insensitive of her to even want to put her previous partners name in their Childs name. There are other ways to remember your Ex and that’s not through a child that doesn’t belong to him.

That’s a hard one indeed ! I can understand both sides.
Personally we didn’t name our kids to anyone and there are many ways we can remember our lost loved ones. I think both partners need to be in agreement about the name they pick for their child.

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 02 Mar 2024 , 6:22 am

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  I agree; there are many way to remember people that have passed and also to treat those present with respect.

I don’t think i would be comfortable with that. Also don’t think she would be comfortable if the tables were turned. It would cause alot of issues i would think.

That would be a nope from me. Ide also worry about any resentments towards the son in future. It would not be the child’s fault, but our minds are very complex, and if husband feels strongly, it may be the wedge driver.