One replied, “Oh, I’m definitely keeping mine.” (And she did.)

The other replied, “I’m hyphenating mine.” (She still stands by this.)

The turned and asked me, “What about you, Emma?” I replied, “I’m taking my husband’s name, of course.” They were both surprised. I suppose I do come across as more liberal than I actually am.

Then I thought about it—why is something traditional considered old-fashioned? I agree that some social decorum may be considered out-dated, but some of it is kind of fun.

I like when the fellows open the door for me. I am perfectly capable of opening doors for myself, but I take it as a sweet gesture.

I think it’s cute when the fellows walk on the outside edge of the sidewalk, in case a runaway car jumps the curb, he can push me out of the way. If a car jumps a curb, it would suck for the both of us, but still…it’s cute.

Social decorum is that the woman takes the husband’s last name, but it’s not forced upon us. For the most part, I feel that people who are involved in your life, people you wish to stay involved in your life, would know that you were getting married and know that a name change may be coming. Besides, don’t most women just put their names in parentheses on Facebook?

I look forward to the day I join my husband’s brand. Perhaps I could kick it up a notch or two.

Excellent topic.