The Great Name Debate
The pros and cons of taking his name or keeping your own.
All I know is that despite the advances of feminism and the multitude of opportunities available to our gender that didn't exist before, this is one area where I think it's just plain lousy to be a girl. Whatever your choice, remember, it's your choice and no one else's. And remember that whatever you choose, it's probably going to suck a little. Married or Maiden Name: How To Choose
Discussion
This whole name changing thing does suck. My mother did not change her last name when she got married, and this was awhile ago when it was less common. I have a hyphenated last name, which is annoying but can be cool. It is absolutely unique. So... if I change my name, it is lost forever. Also, can't add another hyphen at this point unless I want to sound like a law firm. Finally, I don't like my SO's last name. It's fine for him, would sound really weird for me. So, it will be fun to see how it turns out.
I just got engaged, so have really been thinking about this whole name change thing. I don't want to lose my last, but would like to have the same last name as my husband so that we/our kids all have the same name. I love the idea of hyphenating, but does anyone know, can I legally hyphenate but go by my husband's last name only?
I don't necessarily want to be called by both names, just don't want to have my name disappear into thin air.
If that option above is not possible, I will probably just add my maiden name to my middle name and have two middle names...even more confusing (and creating a total of 30 letters!)
My MIL to be is so angry at me right now, she is threatening to boycott our wedding. All because I am keeping my maiden name when I get married in September. Now, we are both in our early 50's, my 2nd marriage, but his first. You think she would be happy that ther only son is finally getting married, right? We don't have any kids, we're too old now to have kids, so that's not the issue. She thinks I'm disrespecting him by not taking his name. He's fine with me keeping my name, by the way. His mom is very old fashioned ... never worked professionally, never had her own accounts, investments, etc, so she isn't up on modern developments ( or just doesn't want to ). I just plain like my name and want to keep it, short and simple. I think she should respect my decision and we should agree to disagree and move on. She's the type, however, who will hold a grudge forever and never let it go. I can live with this, but I feel sorry for my future husband. He's caught in the middle and it's not fair.
