September 11, 2025 at 9:23 pm

Her Family Uses A Distinct Whistle To Call Out To Each Other In Public, But She’s Embarrassed By It And Won’t Do it Anymore

by Matthew Gilligan

young girl being embarrassed

Shutterstock/Reddit

Yikes…this doesn’t sound good

In fact, it sounds totally embarrassing!

Check out what this teenager had to say on Reddit’s “Am I the *******?” page and see if you think she’s acting like a jerk toward her family.

Start now!

AITA for refusing to use the “family whistle” in public because it embarrasses me?

“My (17F) family has this weird tradition that whenever we’re in a crowded place, like a mall, amusement park, or festival, we use a specific whistle (like a bird call) to find each other.

Yikes…

It’s loud, distinct, and honestly pretty embarrassing.

My parents (40s) and younger brother (14M) think it’s super efficient and “quirky.” I’m all for practicality, but I just can’t handle the attention it draws.

People stare, some laugh, and once a stranger even sarcastically clapped. It makes me feel humiliated.

Oh, no…

Last weekend, we were at a local fair. I wandered off to get lemonade, and my dad started whistling across the crowd to find me. I ignored it.

When I got back, he was angry, saying I was being immature and irresponsible.

I told him I’m not a dog and I won’t respond to whistles in public anymore.

My mom says I’m being dramatic and that it’s just our thing.

My brother thinks it’s hilarious. I think it’s time to grow out of it.

AITA for refusing to respond to the “family whistle”?”

Let’s see what folks had to say on Reddit.

This person shared their thoughts.

Screenshot 2025 08 08 at 6.36.26 PM Her Family Uses A Distinct Whistle To Call Out To Each Other In Public, But Shes Embarrassed By It And Wont Do it Anymore

Another individual chimed in.

Screenshot 2025 08 08 at 6.36.37 PM Her Family Uses A Distinct Whistle To Call Out To Each Other In Public, But Shes Embarrassed By It And Wont Do it Anymore

This person said she’s NTA.

Screenshot 2025 08 08 at 6.36.58 PM Her Family Uses A Distinct Whistle To Call Out To Each Other In Public, But Shes Embarrassed By It And Wont Do it Anymore

Another reader agreed.

Screenshot 2025 08 08 at 6.37.05 PM Her Family Uses A Distinct Whistle To Call Out To Each Other In Public, But Shes Embarrassed By It And Wont Do it Anymore

And this Reddit user was amused.

Screenshot 2025 08 08 at 6.37.15 PM Her Family Uses A Distinct Whistle To Call Out To Each Other In Public, But Shes Embarrassed By It And Wont Do it Anymore

Well, that sounds completely humiliating!

At least, from her perspective.

If you thought that was an interesting story, check this one out about a man who created a points system for his inheritance, and a family friend ends up getting almost all of it.