I've made all of the necessary appointments for me to officially change my last name to Jon's last name (it all goes down in the next two weeks). I am super excited to take this last step in marital unity but I must admit that I am having some unexpected feelings come up as I say goodbye to my maiden name. I mean if you really think about it changing one's name is a big deal. In a way a name is the ultimate label in your identity right? It is how you are known on paper, what sets you apart from others with your first name and at the very least is all over a half dozen cards in my wallet. Its a big deal.
You see I am one of the most nostalgic people I know, if I were able to major in nostalgia in college I would have. Heck I am pretty sure I would have been the valedictorian of the nostalgia majors. So as you might guess life changes probably hit me a bit harder than the average gal. Let's put it this way, I may have teared up as Jon and I sold our first dining room table. That being said leaving my maiden name behind is really the final door to shut to my childhood (I would say it is about time since I am 28 after all). Even though I know it is time there is still bittersweet symbolism in letting go of my family name and taking on my husband's name. Leaving one family to start another.
I know I am making it sound as though I am begrudgingly taking Jon's name but I really am excited about it. I get a whole new name to break in and give an identity. I get a new license, credit cards and social security card with a new name! Its all good but I never anticipated being so emotionally attached to my last name.
Did you (or would you) change your last name when you got married? How did it make you feel?
Thursday, August 9, 2012
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4 comments:
I took my husband's name but it was more of a side-grade for me. I went from a maiden name that no one could pronounce to my married name which I don't exactly love. I still don't totally feel like it's my real identity, even seven years later. In my head I still think of myself with my maiden name!
I loved my maiden name and was kinda ehhh on taking my last name but I'm slowly but surely getting used to it.
It was a little crazy to change my name and sometimes I still have to sign as my maiden name because I haven't switched everything over (two years later, oh i know, ha) but i dropped my maiden name completely and took my husband's name.
and now i totally love it.
I love my maiden name more just because their are not many of us now I am grouped into millions of people with the same name.. But over time your married name just becomes you and this feeling will happen over night. :)
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