What's in a Name?

There are a lot of women out there who are very partial to their last name, or being recognized as part of a couple. For example, if you say “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith” they are offended, and would prefer something like “Mr. John and Mrs. Jane Smith.” I guess that that is the “PC” thing to do. Then there are women who don’t take their husband’s name. I think this makes sense if they have an established career in medicine or something. Beyond that, I don’t see what the big deal is. I mean, I love being a Gill, and I’m proud of it, but I’m joining the Fussells now. Maybe I’m old-fashioned. Maybe I like the thought that RoyBoy and I will be one, with the same last name to prove it. I also don’t think it’s good for kids: “Mrs. Smith, I want to talk to you about Johnny,” “Ok sure, but I’m Ms. Jones, not Mrs. Smith.” This then makes me wonder if a) the parents are divorced, b) she isn’t the kid’s mom, or c) if somewhere there is a child going through an identity crisis: “Mom’s a Jones, Dad’s a Smith, WHAT AM I?” It just raises so many questions that aren’t your business, but that confuse you!

You know what else I say? If you get offended because I write “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” then you are too high maintenance for my wedding. The only married couple with different last names invited to my wedding is RoyBoy’s aunt and uncle; she is a doctor who chose to take her maiden name, and I’m ok with that; besides, it’s done, and I can’t change it. To the rest of you, tough cookies.