If you give up that part of your identity now, you're sure to feel the loss at some point in the future, as I have. I hope you can find a compromise that gives you the best of both worlds. Lorie B. Winnipeg, Manitoba I didn't change my last name when I married, partly because my law license and diplomas bear my maiden name, but also because I didn't feel like changing or discarding the name given to me at birth. I have encountered some confusion and occasional mild criticism for keeping my name. You shouldn't feel uncomfortable or pressured to change your name.
People speculate about many things.
I think it would be difficult to change your name now. Yes, I have kept my maiden name, my name. The new bank teller thought she discovered fraud the day I signed three checks in front of her for three different names, and then asked for two hundred dollars in cash. She smiled shakily and ran over to the bank manager. So much for identity.