So I have a younger, semi-autistic relative that wants to be called “Kalcifer.” To be it seemed absolutely stupid, and I refused, but I was nice about it. But I’ve heard of other people wanting the same thing. Can someone explain this to a Millennial please?
Why not call someone what they want to be called?
It ain’t new. Just like it’s polite to ask someone “can I call you x” or “do you prefer x or y” when you start to call someone a nickname or more personal name, someone can ask to be called x, and it’s polite to do so.
Names are arbitrary things, but at the same time often deeply meaningful to people.
So I have a younger, semi-autistic relative that wants to be called “Kalcifer.” To be it seemed absolutely stupid, and I refused, but I was nice about it. But I’ve heard of other people wanting the same thing. Can someone explain this to a Millennial please?
My guess is that Kalcifer sounds cooler than their birth name? I think it sounds cool at least.
Calcifer is the fire demon from Howl’s Moving Castle - I’d guess it’s a reference to that?
Why not call someone what they want to be called? It ain’t new. Just like it’s polite to ask someone “can I call you x” or “do you prefer x or y” when you start to call someone a nickname or more personal name, someone can ask to be called x, and it’s polite to do so. Names are arbitrary things, but at the same time often deeply meaningful to people.