As Shakespeare famously wrote...
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Little Red, Redding, Red, L-Red, and my nickname list could go on. For anyone who has ever played a sport or has a common first name (despite the way it is spelled, thanks mom), has likely gone by their last name. For me, Redding and the many other evolved variations is/was my identity for 25+ years. I don't know if it was my relatively conservative upbringing, the midwest values, or pressure from my family, but it didn't feel like I had much of a choice to keep those seven letters associated to my being once I got married. Let's all admit that there is a stigma around the women that choose to keep their maiden name and that it may be seen as insulting not to take your husband's name. Is there an even compromise? Women who hyphenate are in the same boat. I spent a lot of time creating a meaning and pride behind my maiden name. In a world where each of us is striving to create a personal brand, why is it I had to start over twice just because I chose to get married?
It's the end of the line for Redding. My father is an only son and I am one of three girls. My children will carry my husband's last name, but I plan on giving one if not all my maiden name as a middle name.
I will also continue to go by Lyndsey Howe, alas with an addition of a new centrally located character "R" replacing my current "M". I can't imagine the PR campaign I would have to do for my personal brand if I decided to revert back to Redding. To me it sounds like I would spend more time defending the state of my marriage (that is in perfect condition) rather than my reactive, late decision making on this name game. And lastly, although Howe is a modification to my personal brand, it still smells sweet. Just don't ask me "Howe" I am doing today.
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