My Sister Named Her Son After My Cheating Ex-Husband

We expect our family to support us in our most vulnerable moments, but Brenna’s world shattered when she discovered her sister had named her newborn son after her ex-husband. And that was just the beginning. Overwhelmed with hurt and betrayal, Brenna reached out to us, desperate for advice on how to handle this emotional storm her family had stirred.

This is Brenna’s letter:

Thank you for sharing your story, Brenna! Here are four tips that can help you navigate through this situation.

Set boundaries with your sister.

Your sister’s decision to name her son Soren and involve your ex in the family celebration shows a lack of consideration for your feelings. Have an honest conversation with her about how these choices are affecting you, and make it clear what boundaries you need moving forward.

Distance yourself from family gatherings involving your ex.

If your family continues to involve Soren, even making him the godfather, it may be best to limit your involvement in events where he and his fiancée will be present.

Protect your peace by only attending gatherings where you feel comfortable. Politely decline invitations that include him, explaining to your family that being around Soren is too hurtful for you right now.

Have a private talk with your family about loyalty.

You mentioned that your family still appreciates Soren because he helped them financially in the past, but it’s important they understand the emotional toll this is taking on you. Sit down with key family members—your sister, parents, or anyone else close to you—and express how betrayed you feel by their decision to honor Soren after his infidelity.

Help them see that their actions are hurting you, and ask them to reconsider their loyalty to him, especially since he was the one who caused the divorce.

Consider therapy or counseling to navigate family dynamics.

Dealing with a family that continues to involve an ex who hurt you deeply is emotionally draining. Seeking therapy or counseling could help you process your feelings and figure out how to navigate this challenging situation.

A counselor can give you tools to cope with the pain, manage future interactions with your family and ex, and provide guidance on rebuilding relationships with family members who may not fully understand the impact of their actions.

Here’s another story of betrayal between two sisters. Despite her sister’s pleas, Leah refused to cancel her wedding, just days after the tragic passing of her nephew. This decision created a deep rift between them, but the real shock came with a dramatic twist on the wedding day itself. You can read the full story here.