My husband and I are expecting a baby soon. One of his sisters has asked if she and her husband could be the godparents. She is not who I would have picked because of her difficult attitude, but my husband says we should agree because she asked.

My sister-in-law is very opinionated and thinks everyone should take her side in family squabbles. How do I keep the peace without hurting anybody's feelings? Is it polite for people to ask to be godparents? I thought it was strictly up to the parents to decide who would best fill their positions if they were unable to. Please help. － Running Out of TimeDear Running Out:

It is indeed inappropriate for someone to ask to be the godparent. However, you are mistaken that godparents raise the child if something should happen to you. Godparents are simply supposed to be spiritual guides for your child.

If you take the religious aspect seriously, you should select someone who fits the role. This also may provide you with a legitimate reason to pick someone other than your sister-in-law. However, if the honor is in name only, you might reconsider to please your husband. After the child is born, you can still select someone else to be the legal guardian in the event something happens to you and your husband.