ART OF WORE

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Taking His Name: My Two Cents

Ever since I got engaged in November, random people have asked if I plan on taking my fiancé's last name. And every time I reply, "Have you asked him if he plans on taking mine?"

I can't imagine giving up my last name and assuming part of my fiancé's identity. Just like he can't imagine taking my last name. Why shouldn't this be an equally preposterous notion for both of us? I'm amazed that in 2016 there still isn't much compromise around this.

If you want the same last name, why can't it be the woman's?

Tell you what — once 50% of men in the United States start taking their wives' last names, I'll take my husband's last name. Seems only fair.

DISCLAIMER: This is my personal preference. One of the main tenets of feminism is a woman's right to make her own decision. If you've chosen to take your man's name for any reason, more power to you. It's just not the decision I've chosen to make.