lets_be_honest

@bethany, We use a hybrid name when talking to other people. That sounds strange, I’ll explain. My bf’s sister got married, took his last name, so now when we talk to him mom, she will say (since they’re newlyweds and gets a kick out of it) The Smiths are coming over. Me, my kid and my bf said we need a group name too, so we mixed our last name with his, so when his mom says The Smiths are coming, we say Team Jones is too. I made a photo album that says Team Jones Spring of 2012 as gift for my bf once too. Silly, but fun.

@gator, my name is stupid long too, so I’m jealous! Just curious, when you took your stepdad’s name, were you formally adopted by him? If I’m asking too much, feel free to ignore.

Oh Fab, I love that you won’t use the term pre-engaged!

I’ve been with my bf for several years too and we’ve discussed the name thing. Since I very much prefer to maintain the same last name as my daughter, I won’t be changing my name, but I was open to discussion about it if it meant a lot to him. Luckily, it didn’t at all.

I will say I’m kinda bummed that I won’t though because while I didn’t dream of my wedding dress, I did doodle my first name with every boyfriend’s last name and I think that’s an exciting part of getting married, being Mrs. X.