Name change starting to loom

I was the exact same way. I couldn't drop my last name fast enough. I have a professional social work licensure and I'm just starting grad school, so it's been a big pain.

Honestly though, it's been so worth it, even just for my own mental health. I've been sending out emails like crazy letting all my colleagues know of the change. It's a lot of work but feeling finally and officially severed from my fathers name feels damn good.

Thanks everyone for sharing! Glad to know I'm not alone, and I love all the ideas to consider.

I'm moving my maiden to my middle name and still using it professionally. I feel like it gives me the best of both worlds.

If I took my FH's last name, my name would be 26 letters long and five words because of the space between Van and Winkle, and I 100% refuse to drop any of my current name. That's a no-go for me.

I am still getting used to going by my new name. I am sad about not having my maiden name anymore, but still feel as though that's who I'll always be. Lol..anyway I was excited to take my hubby's last name, but still sad to change my last name, if that makes sense.

I've been thinking about this a lot too. I'm actually excited because his last name is shorter and easier to pronounce. And like some of the rest of you, I'm glad to cut a tie to my fathers family. My new last name will tie me to a much closer knit family. I will admit that its a little bittersweet, but I can't wait!

I always thought I'd be really excited to change my name. But, now that it's getting closer I'm just not. I feel like I'm losing a part of me. I have a large family and changing my name feels like I'm losing them somehow. It's irrational, but feelings can be like that. I'm not sure what I'll do. Socially I'll be called by FH's last name, but legally maybe not.