Alexinomia - fear of saying names

[trailblazer42]

I've just discovered this has a name. I always thought I was just strange but I could never call my husband by his name. It became a bit easier when we had kids because he could be 'daddy' but I have never been able to do it. He always remarked about it and we've now separated and it's something he's thrown at my as evidence of my intimacy issues.

I'm in a new relationship and the same thing is happening again. Although this time I'm able to talk about it with my partner.

I don't have this issue with anyone else, in fact, as a college tutor I tend to use names a lot when I teach. I don't struggle to use names about partners in conversation about them, just not with them..

If I have to call across the room or get their attention, I just can't do it. I'll stress about it or avoid something. Get someone else to ask them or physically move myself to catch their eye or be able to reach out to them.

Does anyone have this? I feel so ridiculous and I don't know where it comes from.

https://alexinomia.org/about/

That's fascinating. One thing is for sure you weren't born with this fear so you must have developed it at some stage, even if you can't remember it (lots of phobias start in childhood). A good hypnotherapist should be able to help you.

It's just so strange. I cannot comprehend what would even have triggered it but you're right that it has started at some point because it's not a logical phobia (ie snakes that can kill!)

My children are autistic and one specially struggles with this and cannot say street names or peoples names - he can’t give directions for example or discuss tv characters.

I never knew there was a name for this!

Me neither until an article popped up on Facebook today! Seems the studies are quite new but it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one.