Although there are a lot of reasons cited to not take your husband’s last name, I want to discuss the reasons to take your husband’s last name. While many women choose the modern trend of keeping their last name or hyphenating their last name, there are advantages of making the choice to change your name. These reasons to take your husband’s last name will benefit you, your husband, your marriage and your life together.
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1. Men Love It
Okay, let’s just get this out of the way. Most men love when their wife chooses to take their last name. Of course your feelings matter, but the fact that this makes him very happy is one of the good reasons to take your husband’s last name. After all, marital harmony is a good thing, right?
2. Easier Business Transactions
This is something you may not think about beforehand but having two different last names can cause confusion. It can make business a little bit difficult. A lot of people will assume that you share a last name and proceed in business with that assumption in mind. Then you have to wait for a correction to take place regarding those business transactions. It can be frustrating and aggravating.
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3. Easier for Children to Understand
Taking your husband’s last name is a lot easier than explaining to your future children why Mommy and Daddy have different names. It also eliminates the debate over what the child’s last name will be. It eliminates hyphens and explaining why Mommy may have a different name than they do. It saves a lot of confusion. Most children like it that everyone in the home has the same last name, if possible.
4. Better for Monograms and Décor
This is a very small reason to take your husband’s last name but it is worth mentioning. If you do not share a last name, getting things monogrammed or buying décor with the family name is out. This may be okay with you. I personally enjoy things that have our family name on them. It is a point worth considering.
5. A Sense of Unity
Having the same last name gives you a sense of unity. It has a strong family feel for you to share the same last name. For our family, we love and enjoy being “The Fannins.” It is also a quick and easy way to sign Christmas cards. Additionally, it is an easy way to list your name for reservations. Those are just small things to consider.
6. One Less Issue with in-laws
A lot of in-laws would frown upon a daughter-in-law that does not take their son’s name. This is not true of all in-laws, of course. However, who wants yet another issue with in-laws? In-law relationships can be fraught with tension anyway. You can eliminate this one if you choose to take your husband’s last name.
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This article highlights the benefits of taking your husband’s last name. Not only does it signify a new chapter in your life, but it can also be a great way to honor your husband and his family. Taking your husband’s last name can also make it easier to build a shared identity with your partner and can help unify a blended family. Additionally, taking your husband’s last name can help eliminate one source of potential tension with in-laws. This is especially true if in-laws would have otherwise been disappointed if you did not take their son’s name. Ultimately, taking your husband’s last name is a personal decision and should be made according to what is right for you and your family.
7. Less Misunderstandings
It is just easier to take your husband’s last name. Many people are going to assume that you have, anyway. It will save you from correcting people throughout your life together. It is one less hassle you will have. It will make your lives easier in this aspect.
Taking your husband’s last name is a personal decision that each woman has to make for herself, but these are some reasons in favor of doing so. If you took your husband’s last name, what were the reasons you chose to do so?
Comments
Claudia: I am very lucky I am getting married in may and both of us have the same name so I don't need to change it but I would take his name anyway
lyssville: I know we're in the 21st century but seriously, why would you not take your husbands last name. Honestly, it's all this feminism foolishness that's messing us women up and we don't even realize it! Maybe you should find out what true roles men and women should play in a marriage and why it is that women took the mans name in the first place!
Carla: Divorce may happen. And it's so much paperwork to return to maiden's name! Wish I've never changed mine!
Minal: Nah, the very first reason says do it because men love it, but what about Dad!
Erin: The one, decisive reason NOT to take your husband's name is that doing so acquiesces to and perpetuates patriarchy, plain and simple, and you carry your own acquiescence around with you everywhere. (The ONLY reason for this absurd tradition is patriarchy.) Logistical conveniences like having to sign two names on Christmas cards and having to hyphenate your children's names (what a grave inconvenience for them!) are absolutely absurd reasons for sacrificing your independence. It's like saying "Ladies, no need to vote! It's SUCH an inconvenience to have to register and drive to the polls each year! You'll be sacrificing family unity when you vote differently from your husband (and in-laws)!"
Jeana: I have been dealing with this issue, I love my name! It is mine and I have always felt this way. It isn't an issue of "I am a women, making a statement" or anything, but it irritates me when people do not understated my feelings on the matter and think that it is dumb. I already know I am going to change my name, but I am not going to be happy about it. But heyyy it is what you are suppose to do..
Raine: Sorry, but I don't agree with any of these reasons....Quite honestly, none of these reasons are very convincing...
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