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Names
A few weeks ago, the LJ "Writers Block Prompt" asked "If you could change your name, what would you change it to and why?"
Ever since then I've coming back to that question and asking one of my own in response: What do you mean "if"? Anyone can change their name!
What do you think?
Is your name yours to do with as you please, in whole or in part?
Or do you consider it something that has to be kept as it was given to you?
In my own case, I legally changed my middle name to what I considered to be a heroine name when I was 21 or 22.
I like my first and last names well enough, but would have changed my first name if I didn't like it. My last name I feel obligated to keep, as I have a very strong connection to my birth family. On the other hand, my daughter has my ex-husband's last name (which I never took), and that doesn't bother me.
What did bother me was when people expressed concern that my not having the same last name as my daughter and her father might cause her to have social or emotional issues.
Ever since then I've coming back to that question and asking one of my own in response: What do you mean "if"? Anyone can change their name!
What do you think?
Is your name yours to do with as you please, in whole or in part?
Or do you consider it something that has to be kept as it was given to you?
In my own case, I legally changed my middle name to what I considered to be a heroine name when I was 21 or 22.
I like my first and last names well enough, but would have changed my first name if I didn't like it. My last name I feel obligated to keep, as I have a very strong connection to my birth family. On the other hand, my daughter has my ex-husband's last name (which I never took), and that doesn't bother me.
What did bother me was when people expressed concern that my not having the same last name as my daughter and her father might cause her to have social or emotional issues.
no subject
I have a lot of friends who have hated their names all their lives, but never contemplated changing it. I, as you know, have no qualms. I love my last name - I like that our whole family has a name that the H and I picked out specifically *for our family*. However, I wouldn't care if the kids decide to change their names, b/c to me, it is about self-identity. In fact, after the next adoption is final, I plan on legally changing the first name, something I've wanted to do for a few years, but have put off until our family was complete.
no subject
I didn't realize you were planning on changing your first name, however. For a moment I wondered "Why wait?" -- then I realized that when going through the process you are the last thing you need is something to complicate the paperwork!