A recent Yahoo! blogger flirted with the idea to her current beau that she would keep her maiden name and simply hyphenate with the new surname once she gets married. Said boyfriend was offended and saw it as her not wanting to leave her old life behind and start anew as his wife.
Taking to the web, most respondents agreed that taking on the husband's last name is the right thing to do. Well, I guess I'm way too liberal for my own good, because I'm not doing what's being perceived as right.
I am hyphenated--for a couple of reasons. I started my career as a print journalist and LOVED seeing my name in print and now online. Also, there have been times when I worked as a freelancer and calling/pitching an editor who could review my pre-marriage work was the best way to go.
A friend of mine from college got married a few years ago, and I was sitting at a table during the reception when someone congratulated the new Mrs. X. She said no-no-no. I'm Dr. Y. (She's a PhD.)
Second, I feel like I get to maintain a certain level of self-identity. Speaking for myself and other hyphenates out there (and those who so bravely kept their maiden names), I joined my existing life with your existing life and am melding those experiences into something new and wonderful.
To be fair to friends who have taken on their spouses last names - I ain't mad at you either (especially Mrs. Smith-not the pie lady).
