This entire discussion is relatively new; historically, taking your husband’s last name upon marriage wasn’t up for debate. The first American woman to legally maintain her surname was Lucy Stone, who in 1856 became an icon for women who wanted to buck marital traditions (for decades after her, women who kept their names after marriage were known as ‘Lucy Stoners’).
Not all couples divorce when their relationship runs into trouble. Many soldier on remembering that they entered into a partnership “for better or for worse” but what impact does this have on their self-esteem and ultimate happiness?
With all the wonders that there are within your marriage, the highs and lows, the ups and the downs, there can be nothing more important than finding simple ways to say I LOVE YOU.
It can be said with words with a cross at the end of the note or a passionate poem. Whatever works for you and your partner is just fine as long as it is said and it really does work.
