A Little WisdomTalmud stories for everyday life
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044 · 8 panels

The Name They Prefer Now

Before repeating a familiar old nickname, she listened to a present choice.

Inspired by a source · Creative adaptationNo sign-up · All stories free
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Ara spread a few small tags out with Jin.
Ara

It's been a while since our walking group met. Shall we prepare the name tags?

Ara spread a few small tags out with Jin.

Friends had once used it to tease, but familiarity made her think of using it again.
Story

An old nickname came to Ara's mind first.

Friends had once used it to tease, but familiarity made her think of using it again.

The arriving colleague calmly stated the name they preferred today.
Colleague

I'd like to be called Minjun now.

The arriving colleague calmly stated the name they preferred today.

Ara stopped the hand that had been ready to write the familiar nickname.
Ara

I was about to decide without asking.

Ara stopped the hand that had been ready to write the familiar nickname.

She asked not only how to address them, but what should be shown.
Ara

Would you like Minjun on your name tag, too?

She asked not only how to address them, but what should be shown.

The person chose both the name and the extent of the introduction.
Colleague

Yes. I'll handle any further introduction myself.

The person chose both the name and the extent of the introduction.

Ara wrote the chosen name anew and folded away the note with the old nickname.
Ara

Here's your tag, Minjun.

Ara wrote the chosen name anew and folded away the note with the old nickname.

They used that name at the gathering, and Minjun continued the introduction.
Jin

This is Minjun, who'll be walking with us today.

They used that name at the gathering, and Minjun continued the introduction.

A thought from the Talmud

Do not dismiss a familiar insult as harmless; respect how the person wishes to be addressed.

The source idea in our own words · Not a direct quotation

Bava Metzia 58b:13 · Read the source ↗

A lesson for today

Some nicknames are shared comfortably, but an unwanted old form of address can be changed. At this gathering, they ask for the person's preference and update both the name tag and the introduction. No proof of a legal name or private history is required.

A modern interpretation for this story

A question to take with you

Does the person still want the name I am accustomed to using for them?

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About the source and this adaptation

Bava Metzia 58b:13 discusses derogatory nicknames and teaches that the seriousness of an insulting intention remains even if the recipient has grown accustomed to that name. This adaptation does not say that all nicknames are insulting. Here, the character chooses a name that feels comfortable now instead of an unwanted old nickname. The walking group, name tag, Ara, Jin, Minjun and all dialogue are fictional; the source's religious punishment is not presented as a contemporary consequence.

Read the source ↗

AI-generated artwork · Creative adaptation

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