lpf@vaxine.UUCP (Lisa P. Fass) (08/31/85)
I changed my name BACK to my maiden name after being married for four years. This resulted in the following comments: 1) You must be getting divorced 2) Your marriage is in trouble - see a counselor 3) What a hassle to change credit cards, license, etc. (no one mentions this when women change their name upon marriage!) My husband was not supportive, although now accepts it. Why did I do this? A minor identity crisis. I never got used to having someone else's name. Now, 1-1/2 months later, it is no hassle. I feel like I have a much more "continuous, connected life", and my name sounds and feels right. I did go to court to legally change it - also very little hassle here in Massachusetts. The judge commented that everyone is "doing it" these days!! I was very lucky to have a wonderfully supportive group of fellow women co-workers to help me deal with the negative reactions. I also heard very interesting stories about name changes - from Europeans, different cultures, older women who were surprisingly supportive, etc. It opened up a whole area of discussion and interest. People are very attached to names ! (as evidenced by the recent discussions on net.women)