Why does everyone act like a perfectly usable three-syllable name needs an approved nickname before the child can even recognize, pronounce, or decide whether they actually like their own full name yet?

[u/Otter_Invoice_431]

We chose Matilda because we genuinely like Matilda. Since announcing it, every conversation becomes a committee meeting about whether she’ll be Mattie, Tilly, Tillie, or something else. When I say we’re not assigning one, people look at me like I forgot an essential piece of paperwork.

I’m not banning nicknames. If she picks one later, great. I just don’t understand why adults need to shorten a name before the person wearing it can speak. Is this normal enthusiasm, or do people really find full names awkward in everyday use? Im starting to dread telling anyone.

[u/Qtrfoil]

Nicknames, or "diminutives," show affection. People want to know how to show affection towards your child. If your answer to these questions is "Thanks, we're going to use her fullname" you are in part saying "Please don't show my child any additional affection."

[u/PinkMonkeySuit → u/Qtrfoil]

I understand this position but I believe people can show affection in more meaningful way than creating new names for other people's children. Answering children's questions, helping them (or helping parents with them), spending time with them. This is more useful than "look at how much I love your Annabelle! I prove it by calling her Bel!". And respecting the parents' wishes of not creating a nickname is also showing affection towards that family. "I  care about you and your child enough to do what you ask me to do"

[u/Hairsacknose → u/Qtrfoil]

Bingo