Father-in-law wants to hear his name

DEAR AMY >> This little thing has nagged me for many years.

My son has had two marriages... both of his wives have never felt comfortable calling me “Dad,” or by my first name. Instead, they have called me “Grampa” in text messages, and even when we’re together.

Or, when the grandkids are not around, my daughter-in-law might say, “Oh, what your Dad said was funny” — never using my name!

My son has been married to his current wife for 10 years now.

What happened today was the last straw: In a group text message with my wife and me, our two kids and their spouses, the daughter-in-law wrote: “Thanks Grampa and Gramma for babysitting for us!”

I just wanted to fire back “You’re welcome, Mother of the Grandkids!”

Why is this bothering me so much? My wife, who also is addressed this way, doesn’t think it is a big deal.

I have mentioned it offhandedly to my son, but that has made no difference.

Otherwise, I have a great relationship with her. Would it be OK for me to talk to her and say, “When the kids are not around, can you please call me by my first name, or “Dad?” I really do not want this to go on another 10 years!

— Say My Name in

Florida

DEAR SAY MY NAME >> I know of younger generation in-laws who never address their elder parents-in-law by any specific name, because they’ve never had any direction from the elder and are too timid to ask.

Many people don’t feel comfortable calling their in-laws “Mom and Dad,” because they already have parents they address this way.

When the grandchildren come along, the elder finally has a real designation: “Grandpa.”

You don’t mention how your son addresses his parents-in-law (if he has them). This might provide some insight.

My point is that your daughter-in-law won’t know that this bothers you if you aren’t brave enough to gently tell her.

So, you say, “This might sound like a minor thing, but would you mind calling me by my first name? I am cool being “Grandpa” when we’re with the kids or referring to the kids, but otherwise I’d love it if you would just call me ‘Dave.’ Are you OK with that?”

She might be relieved to know your preference.

DEAR AMY >> I really identified with the situation described by “The Wedding Singer.” Like this singer, I too became paralyzed by stage fright.

I was relieved to learn that this is common, even among experienced professionals.

— Relieved

DEAR RELIEVED >> Adele famously suffers from performance anxiety. I read that she has given herself an alter ego — “Sasha Carter” (honoring Beyonce and June Carter).

Before performances, Adele lets Sasha take over, because Sasha doesn’t know fear.