That is the question. Today’s dilemma is whether or not to change my last name when we get married. Part of me says I “should” and there is a very strong part of me that says “I don’t want to”!!! So, what did I do? Looked to google for some help, of course!! The pro and cons of changing your name…
Pros-
- Sharing the same family name with your kids
- Having the same monogram will be easier to get fancy towels for the bathroom– just plain dumb… who needs fancy towels!
- Less complicated documents– bank accounts, house deeds, etc. – how complicated is an extra name?
- People will know you’re married because you’ll be Mr & Mrs Shary — ehh that sounds like we’re Ryan’s parents.
- Your husband & his family might be appreciative and feel honored that you’ve taken his name — wouldn’t that have the opposite affect on MY family?? And besides, doesn’t actually getting MARRIED count for something?
- Changing your name can be seen as a symbol of your unity as a couple. — ehhh I kinda see their point with this one.
- Denali and Jelly already have the last name of Shary
Cons
- Sooo much paperwork to change your name… and then going through what name you’re under at what place… – paperwork I guess is a one time thing, making everyone change your name in their computer systems… that sounds like a real pain!
- Google will see you as a whole new person with ZERO entries – I’m not that googley popular anyways… and actually prefer to not be listed (so maybe this is a pro)
- My email address has my current last name in it… then I would have to contact everyone to change my email.
- You’re giving up your family identity — this is my BIG one!!
Possible compromises
- Hyphenate your maiden name and your married name, so you get the best of both worlds– maybe Ryan should hyphenate with me!
- Legally change your name but maintain your maiden name in professional circles – could this work the other way around?
- Make your maiden name your middle name, and/or make your kid’s middle name your maiden name. – this is a possibility
- Make up a new last name for the two of you, combining both of your last names! – I vote for the O’Sharyans
This is going to take a lot of getting used to… and a lot of thinking…
So I think this is a natural fear…especially when you have such a cool last name as OBRYAN (spelled differently and everything)! I vote for changing the middle name and I give you permission considering I was the one who chose your middle name. I still have Daddy’s last name with me but am one with my husband
It gets easier and you get used to it. And someday, if you’re lucky, you get to have a beautiful baby who shares the last name of you and your husband. And to that, I must return. . .
I think when u get married you should change your name. In my opinion its done to honor yuor commitment to your marriage. Doesnt it say int he bible that when you marry you leave your mother and father behind and become one with your husband?
Just my thought.