So like I was somehow watching the final scene of Alias this morning, and what happens is Vaughn and Sydney’s kid see their old partner Agent Dixon walking on the beach.
She’s like, “Uncle Dixon! Uncle Dixon!”
It’s all awkward and stuff, because “Dixon” is his last name, but even moreso, my thoughts turn to what happens when this girl turns of legal age, and is no longer required to refer to him as “Uncle”.
Isn’t the precedent too ingrained at that point.
She’ll likely be cornered into an awkward transitional moment, like what occurred with myself and one of my uncles. I was like sixteen, we were playing pool in his basement, and I just went with his name, and no “Uncle”.
Everyone – and I remember my brother’s face more than anyone’s – shot me a “WHAT IN GOD’S NAME DID YOU JUST DO” look. Still, I stood my ground and went with it, giving my Uncle a slow-and-dramatic-head-turn and a growly, “You heard me, friend. Converse with me.”
Not only do I have that burned into my memory as one of the Top Ten Most Awkward Moments of My Life, but now I never address any of my uncles directly.
I don’t feel I was wrong or something, but it’s just like a hanging issue that’ll be there forever.
As such, I’ve fought hard to make sure my nieces refer to me as just “Brian”.
Don’t misinterpret – it’s not a selfish thing or some hang-up about “Uncle” making one feel old – it’s for them. I don’t even know if that was my choice to make, but it’s worked so far. They will always be my peers in this manner.
How do you feel about the issue of the formal titles of Aunt and Uncle.
