Quote:
Originally posted by Taualumna
Why is it that so many modern women who DO change their names to their husband's refuse to be Mrs. Hubbyfirst Hubbylast? Before the days of "Ms", this was used only for DIVORCEES! I think taking the husband's first name is part of it if you take on his last.
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As I understand it, "Mrs." means "wife of" - so you're right, the "correct" usage would be "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith" - John Smith and his wife.
But I have an identity beyond being my husband's wife. I am a professional with my own career. I have my own social circle. I have my own interests and hobbies. I love my husband dearly, but I am more than simply his wife. I chose to take his last name because I love him, because it's distinctive, and because I'm not fond of my maiden name... but I took his
last name, not his first.
I don't get my knickers in a twist if, say, a wedding invitation comes addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Hisfirst Hislast, but I insist that on any mailing lists I'm on, I'm Ms. Myfirst Hislast, or if it's something addressed to both of us, it's Hisfirst and Myfirst Hislast.
I don't know what I would have done if I'd lived in the days before Ms. was in widespread usage.
