So, yesterday I'm filling out a job application online. I use Google Chrome, so it automatically fills out info for me sometimes, a nifty feature. However, on this application, it listed my last name as FI's last name. I've only used his information when it was required to list family members/ significant others (law enforcement stuff) but I have never used his last name as mine.
Now, I have never even really considered how my name paired with his last name looked and sounded. I have always known I wanted to keep my last name. Besides, my initials would be BJ. Much as I appreciate a dirty acronym, I don't know that I want to possess one. FI thinks it'll be awesomely hilarious. But that's pretty much the only reason he would want me to change my name. He's ok with any decision I make, because it's my name, not his.
But I saw it, in print, in front of me, appear as naturally as if that's how it had always been done, and now I'm rethinking everything. Changing my middle name is not an option, I like my middle name. Hyphenating is a bit long, but do-able. Keeping it means hyphenating the children's names, also long-ish, but possible. I realize no one can make this decision for me, however, I am willing to hear opinions from an outsider. So, any thoughts?