Melissa's Place

On becoming Mrs. Peron...

This title sounds particularly odd because, despite a slight variation in spelling, it is the name of my current principal. And as anyone would agree, it is strange to imagine “becoming” someone you already know, or, even more oddly, work for.

I’ve had friends who have gotten married - girlfriends that is. So I’ve lived vicariously through them the trauma and identity crisis that comes with being, for instance, Laura Rice for twenty years and change and then suddenly having to respond to Laura Fortinsky!

Being a progressive woman, I see nothing wrong with keeping one’s own name. In fact, I strongly encouraged my new fiancé to consider becoming a Loftus. He calmly explained (and my brother confirmed) that for a man, even in this era, to take on his bride’s name would be the equivalent of a social castration.

However, as the engagement progressed, I’ve begun to become quite excited at the idea of becoming Melissa Peron. I’ll get a new sign for my classroom door. I’ll have to develop a new signature. And everyone will know that Mark and I are a family. It’s silly. And childish. But I can’t wait!