What’s in a name…?

Well, for some folks, a lot!

A woman wrote the story below and talked about why she’s intent on changing her last name…but not everyone is on board with the idea.

Check out what she had to say.

WIBTA for secretly changing my last name?

“I (27 F) can’t stand my last name.

It’s German, very hard to pronounce, a pain to spell to others, and honestly I just want a nicer sounding name. Call me conceited, but try living with people fumbling it for 27 years and then we’ll talk!

She’s got her mind made up about this.

Anyways, the long and short is that I would really like to change my last name. Not just to any name, but one that’s meaningful to me. I’m single and have been for a while now.

Marriage used to be my light at the end of the tunnel of changing my last name, but as I get older, the less likely that seems and honestly the less I want it.

I’ve spoken to one family member (not immediate family) about my desires, and they were a little upset and honestly confused about why I’d want to change my last name when I will “probably get married someday anyway”.

Well…

I tried to explain the above; that dating hasn’t been great for me, and the less I want it over time, since I have a very successful and fulfilling single life. I tried to explain that it’s just something I want to do, it’s my choice, and since it doesn’t affect anyone else, what’s the problem?

This family member said that even if I do it in secret, my immediate family could find out and I could risk making them feel like I don’t want to be a part of my family anymore.

Of course, I expressed that isn’t the case and I love my family dearly.

But I do see where she’s coming from and that it would separate me in name from my dad, mum, brother etc, and the last thing I’d want to do is upset them.

So what do you think?

Would I be a jerk for secretly changing my last name?”

Here’s what readers had to say about this.

This person said she’s NTA.

Another reader agreed.

This individual shared their thoughts.

Another person had a different take.

And this reader spoke up.

She’s having some inner turmoil about this possible name change…

If you enjoyed this post, check out this story about a woman whose very supportive family also expects her to give them her art for free.