I didnt want a writing portfolio of stories with two different last names.
He was quick to respond: Why do you need a published story to determine that?
Just dont change it, if thats what you want.
FreshSplash / E+ / Getty
Though, not every woman who gets married feels the same allegiance to her maiden name.
I jumped into it with the attitude that Im the same Nora but with an added layer.
It was a rebrand!
I know who I am, she says.
In her divorce, she was given the right to reclaim her maiden name but she chose not to.
So, should you change your name?
Are there downsides to doing so?
Administrative challenges, such as updating records and ensuring consistency across professional documents is another factor.
The administrative work was the biggest burden for Gruenberg.
Now that Im divorced, let me tell you, Im not going through all of that again.
Gruenberg says having the same last name as her kids brings family name cohesiveness.
But doI think thats a necessity?
For Gruenberg, the crux of this issue is choice.
She says to ask yourself: Do you have one?
Do you feel you’re able to exercise that choice?
Thats what matters, she says.
If keeping your name is something you value, dont cave to make a man happy.
The decision to change your last name after marriage can be a hefty one.
However, thinking through the personal and professional implications can help you make the best choice for you.
Lin L. About eight-in-ten women in opposite-sex marriages say they took their husbands last name.
Pew Research Center.https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/09/07/about-eight-in-ten-women-in-opposite-sex-marriages-say-they-took-their-husbands-last-name/
