What's In A Name?

Who am I?  This isn’t a complicated, existential question; I just want to know the basics.  What’s my name?

More than three years ago, about to embark on marriage number three, I discussed keeping my maiden name with Mr. Hyde.  His male pride was damaged -- how could I even THINK of not taking his name?  Didn’t I want to show him how dedicated and devoted I was to our marriage?

It wasn’t a question of trust for me, but I had two previous failed marriages.  Getting your name changed is a hassle.  Each name change becomes an ‘alias’ so it never really disappears.  When completing detailed forms for credit or nearly anything else, I have to list all my ‘aliases.’  With my maiden name, current name and two former marriages, I have more aliases than some death row inmates.

Despite the hassle, and believing this truly was the last time I would have to jump through the hoops, I changed my last name to match Mr. Hyde’s.

After moving out there, I met his ex, who had kept her married name.  It felt a little strange sharing a name with more than one woman, but when I brought it up to Mr. Hyde, he quickly shot me down.  “It’s normal for a woman to keep her married name, even after a divorce.  Every person I’ve ever known has.” 

Well, he should know.  Between he and his 3 brothers, they each have a divorce under their belt -- yep, four divorces between four men.  Maybe it should have been my first clue.

Anyway, I’ve been in no hurry to get the paperwork started.  Between getting my life back on track and getting my kids settled into a new routine, I frankly haven’t had time to even think about filing the official divorce papers yet.  All my paperwork, mail, etc is in my married name and will remain so until the divorce is final.