Marriage is an age-old institution in which two people come together to start a new life. One of the biggest debates that arise during the marriage is around the name change. Changing your name after marriage is a tradition that dates back to ancient times. Traditionally, women would take their husband’s last name as a symbol of unity between the two families, but with changing times, this practice has taken a back seat, and many couples choose not to change their names after marriage.
In today’s time, with the world moving towards gender equality, it is necessary to look into whether not changing your name after marriage is bad or not. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of not changing your name after marriage.
Pros of not changing name after marriage
1. Maintaining Identity
One of the biggest advantages of not changing your name after marriage is maintaining your identity. Your name is an integral part of your identity, and changing it could mean losing a part of who you are. It is essential to feel comfortable and confident in your identity and not changing your name after marriage ensures you can do that.
2. Professional Identity
If you are a professional and established in your career under your maiden name, changing your name could mean losing your hard-earned reputation. Not changing your name allows you to maintain your professional identity and ensures that you are recognized for your work.
3. Avoiding Discrimination
It is no secret that women face discrimination every day, and changing your name after marriage could mean additional discrimination in various aspects, including finances, healthcare, and employment. Keeping your maiden name ensures that you are not subjected to any discrimination due to your marital status.
Cons of not changing name after marriage
1. Family Unity
One of the primary reasons for changing your name after marriage is to create a sense of family unity. Taking your husband’s last name signifies that you are part of a new family, and it is essential to show your commitment to being a part of that family.
2. Traditional Values
Another reason people choose to change their names after marriage is traditional values. For many families, it is a custom that has been passed down for generations, and not changing your name could mean going against this tradition.
3. Convenience
Changing your name after marriage makes things more convenient, especially when it comes to legal documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, and bank accounts. Keeping your maiden name could mean additional paperwork and legal hoops to jump through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not to change your name after marriage is a personal decision that should be made between you and your partner. While changing your name after marriage has its benefits, such as creating a sense of family unity and adhering to traditional values, not changing your name has many advantages, such as maintaining identity, professional identity, and avoiding discrimination. Ultimately, it is essential to evaluate your own circumstances and make a decision that works best for you.
FAQ
Am I Mrs if I don’t change my name?
“Mrs.” is a traditional and official title for a married woman. However, it does not depend on whether a woman changes her name after marriage or not. This means that you can still use the title of “Mrs.” with your last name after getting married, even if you decide to keep your maiden name. Using the honorific of “Mrs.” still recognizes the fact that you are married and acknowledges your spouse, it does not require that you change your name.
It’s important to note that the decision to change your name is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. Some women choose to change their name after marriage as a symbol of unity with their spouse, while others feel attached to their maiden name and wish to keep it. It’s also worth noting that changing your name can involve a lot of paperwork and legal documents.
Moreover, lots of women prefer to keep their title as “Mrs.” even after their spouse passes away or after divorce, but this often depends on personal preference and cultural norms. For instance, some cultures use different titles for women who have been divorced, widowed, or single, while others do not place as much emphasis on a woman’s marital status.
So, in conclusion, if you choose to keep your maiden name, you can still use the title of “Mrs.” to refer to yourself as it is not necessarily linked to your name. it is a personal decision, and you should feel free to choose what makes you happy and comfortable.