Ladies and Gentlemen who are married...

[MeMe]

I am married and have been for 13 years.

When Jeff proposed to me I never even thought "should I take his last name"...not even once. I was going to be Mrs. Meir period.

I am kinda old school though.

Some of you say that you don't want the others last name because it is hard to pronounce. Mine is Meir. pronounced "Meer". You don't know how many people pronounce it "Myer"! It really drives me nuts but I correct them and go on my way.

[Blu Mongoose]

Kelly and I have considered ourselves married. But when it does become legal (which it will) we decided to keep our names. We feel it is like holding on to who you are.

[Montessa Python]

When I married I kept my last name for a long time. People assumed when they saw my name and signature that it was hyphenated, which I did eventually, but did it backwards...
when I signed my name is was C------ A. T-----, they assumed that the A was my hubbies last name since it starts with A.
I eventually hyphenated it to C--- A------ - T----- , mostly because I loved my maiden name, and my initials have always been CAT. So then I lost my wallet, so I changed it to CAA, my middle name is Ann, and the last name begins with A.. so now it's CAA.
It is easy to change your name on id cards and ssi, just passports its a PITA...
I have been married for 8 years now and only last year finally changed it from hyphenated to just his last name.
Change is hard sometimes.

Some one should do some research into Spanish/Hispanic culture...
The daughter takes the mothers last name, the son takes the fathers last name, and I believe each takes the other parents name as part of their middle name.
It is complicated, and I could be wrong about some points.

Carol

P.S.
We don't wear wedding rings, due to the fact I am on a computer all day long and it interferes with my typing AND I am playing outside and with my horses ALL the time. We know we are married.

[Ginevive]

We got married last august. I definately want to take his name but have not gotten around to doing it yet It's everyone's individual decision.. I see no reason to put down anyone who does or does not change their name.

[fishmommy]

I changed my last name.
We have a few friends who did not, and see them go through some inconveniences as a result. For instance, when booking travel they sometimes are not given seats next to each other while we always are. Also, there is some social confusion that is easily avoided by having the same last name.

So, I think it is more convenient to change it.

[Ladydragon]

yes I took his last name. My maiden name was way to long and difficult to pronounce. now my married name is shorter and people still mess it up I was starting a new chapter in my life so a new last name signified change. As for wedding rings, we both wear ours. At first, because of his occupation he didn't, then one day he decided to wear it to work. The ring saved his fingers from getting chopped off that day and he's worn it to work ever since. I believe that there is some signifigance in taking on a last name and wearing a wedding ring, but it shouldn't be a major factor if you are secure in your relationship with each other. Thats just my two cents

[West Coast Jungle]

My wife took my name, we never really discussed it. I have to say the first time I called her work and heard her voicemail with my last name it was a real honor and made me very proud/happy.

I know several professional women that have built up a reputation and clientel and decided to keep their maiden name so as not to loose or confuse business contacts. Which makes sense to me.

The reality is if the the relationship is strong a name isnt gonna make a difference.

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"

[cassandra]

The reality is if the the relationship is strong a name isnt gonna make a difference.

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"

Rock on. =)

Friend of mine at work got remarried. He and his wife chose a completely new last name and both changed to it. Whatever works for you, ya know? =)

[Indigo]

I took my husband's last name, and totally dropped my maiden name. I really had no attachment to it, since I haven't seen the man who I inherited it from in over 20 years.

[Inknsteel]

My situation is a little different. I have been married once before, and so has my girlfriend. When she was married the first time, I think she intended to take his last name, but because she knew in her heart it wouldn't last, she never got around to getting it legally changed.

Now, for a little background, my gf and I have known each other for approximately 18 years, and have been together for 2. I've always known her as a McCormick. Her family is very well known and respected in the community, and I think that her name helps her identify with that part of her. We have discussed marriage, and I told her from the beginning that it would be her choice whether she took my name or not. While I like the idea of her taking my last name, and the bond and commitment that would represent, I also understand that McCormick is part of her identity and I would never dream of asking her to give that up. I don't need her to take my name to prove that she loves me and is committed to me for life...