A lot of us refamulating have faced a similar challenge: as we choose a new path or carve out a different role in a family, we realize there is no name for us.
A step-parent wants a more warm and loving name. An egg or sperm donor with an emotional tie to the family doesn’t want to be referred to by this clinical title. Or maybe a close friend plays an important role to your kids but isn’t technically an aunt or uncle.
We have very limited language to indicate people who are close to us that don’t fit in a traditional family role, so many of us are making up new names as we go!
On this Refam Chat, Julia and Claire talk about their own struggle with names. Claire is getting married and isn’t changing her last name (but came up with a new one!) Julia is in a serious relationship, but using the word ‘boyfriend’ feels juvenile! And we read some of the names you all shared with us on Instagram for your unique family roles.
If you have a unique name for your role in your family, let us know in the comments or on Instagram!
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Join us for this month’s ReFamily Dinner, where we’re talking about navigating dysfunctional family dynamics. Our guest is therapist, writer and podcaster Whitney Goodman (@sitwithwhit). Come with questions for Whitney about estrangement and the holiday season, boundary setting, disappointment in family, accepting family, in-law relationships, politics, or anything else! This is a free, virtual event on Dec 3. Sign up here!!
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