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L
Just Said Yes July 2019

How does your fmil address your family members?

Lisa, on May 14, 2019 at 5:49 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 4

I learned my FMIL was calling my grandmother "Grandma", which is what FH and I call her. My grandma told me she found it a bit unusual because FMIL, obviously, is not her grandchild. FMIL says she doesn't feel comfortable calling an elder by their first name (FMIL's culture stresses respect for elders), but when I suggested "Mrs. [Lastname]", she said it sounded a bit formal, not like a title for a family member, and I had to concede that.


What is the right title here?

4 Comments

Latest activity by Sinéad, on May 16, 2019 at 10:43 AM
  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
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    There is no right or wrong. Tell your FMIL that your grandmother isn't comfortable with her calling her grandma and she needs to use her first name. Emphasize that your grandmother doesn't find it to be disrespectful. If that doesn't work, maybe she could throw a title before it and call her "Miss Susie."

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  • Courtney
    Master December 2019
    Courtney ·
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    The "Ms. Susie" way to go may be a happy medium for everyone. My FMIL (FH's stepmom) calls his grandma by her first name but my mom calls her Ms. Dottie. It's just a matter of finding what works for everyone.

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  • Trista
    VIP September 2019
    Trista ·
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    I've seen a lot of people call others they look up to by "Mama T" if her name started with a T for example. Maybe something like that?
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  • Sinéad
    WeddingWire Administrator January 2025
    Sinéad ·
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    Hey Lisa! I think you should explain to your FMIL that your grandmother is not entirely comfortable with her calling her 'grandma'. As the pp's mentioned, it's just a matter of finding something that everyone is comfortable withSmiley smile

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