DEAR MISS MANNERS: My father, with whom I do not have a close relationship, wishes to be called "Grandude" by his grandchildren. He is not a "dude" in any sense of the word, which makes the entire thing seem like a mockery of him, and he demands respect in every other way.
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My siblings feel this is inherently disrespectful and that if he will not respect himself, their children should still respect him. I have to say I agree with my siblings despite agreeing with your general principle in most situations about addressing people as they wish to be addressed.
I have lightly hinted to my father about maybe calling him something else, but he doubled down on his name. Do I need to put aside my own scruples here and give in, despite how wrong it feels?
GENTLE READER: Yes. And while you are doing so, you can, in private with your child, explain that this is not normally a respectful thing to call someone, but your father has a strange sense of humor. This serves the double purpose of ruining your father's fun and ensuring that your child does not insult an innocent old man (i.e., one who is not your father).