I kept my maiden name. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Names are incredibly personal, and I just didn't want to let go of mine

A married woman.
(Image credit: iStock)

Shortly before I got married in September 2016, an old friend texted me. She was getting ready to send out baby shower invitations, and wanted to know what last name to use for mine.

"Same as always," I replied.

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Zoe Fenson

Zoe Fenson is a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her writing has appeared in Longreads, Narratively, The New Republic, and elsewhere. When she's not writing, you'll find her doing crossword puzzles in cocktail bars or playing fetch with her cat.