The primary reason was laziness. It seemed like a lot of work to change the name on all my ID, financial stuff, etc and still have to fill out the 'maiden name' part on tax forms. So I just never even looked into all that.

Additional reasons were the normal. I was 30 and my birth name was already a big part of my identity. My degree is in that name, my career, my nicknames. Basically I didn't want to essentially erase my past. Also my last name is quite uncommon and his is very common.

It hasn't really affected me at all. I didn't really think that much about it when I made the decision but the more time that passes the more happy I am with it. I like having that connection with past generations of my family. I like that if someone from way in my past sees my name they'll know it's me. I think a lot of women lose themselves in marriage & children andI like having something that's just mine.