Dear Woman Holding onto the Maiden name

Dear Woman Holding Onto Her Maiden Name,

I don’t blame you! Honestly, I don’t understand all the hype around changing your name. When it comes to this tradition, I sometimes feel like a radical feminist. I’ve earned degrees and accolades under my name; I’ve started a business with it — and now, because I said “I do,” suddenly I can’t keep it?

It almost feels like a silent dictatorship. We know the order, and we must fall in line. Many women do it because it’s considered “the right thing” to do. But what makes it wrong to say no?

Yes, changing your name can be a “nice” thing to do as a family — a way to show unity. I get that! But for some of us, that alone isn’t enough reason. And, as far as I can tell, it’s not even biblical. Maybe this is my ticket to quietly rebel against it.

Then there’s the vitriol from his family — those who think less of you for not taking the name. They say it shows defiance.

While this letter isn’t meant to start an uproar or fuel rebellion, I hope name changing becomes something women choose freely — not something forced upon us by society and culture.

I’m planning to change my name this year because, it is the right thing to do.

With love, always!