Additional Coverage:
- When my ex-husband married someone with a similar first name to mine, I finally decided to change my married name (businessinsider.com)
After her divorce, a woman chose to keep her married last name to maintain a sense of continuity with her son. However, circumstances changed when her ex-husband became engaged to another woman who not only shared a similar first name but would also adopt her last name.
In therapy, upon voicing her frustration about sharing her name with her ex-husband’s new partner, her therapist casually suggested she could change her own name. Taking this suggestion seriously, she opted against reverting to her maiden name, feeling that it represented a step back in her personal growth.
Inspired to forge a unique identity, she explored creative name options, even considering playful choices like adopting a single name or a symbol. Eventually, she found inspiration from within her own family, choosing her son’s middle name, “Drake,” as her new surname. This change not only symbolized a fresh start but also preserved the familial connection important to her.
Her new name marked a significant transformation in her life. It reflected her evolution into a self-reliant individual distinct from her past familial roles.
Embracing a new identity facilitated her pursuit of personal goals, including a career shift and prioritizing her mental health over traditional employment. Her decision to adopt a new name played a pivotal role in redesigning her life’s path in alignment with her true aspirations.