Should I let my friends and my partner know that I legally changed my first name some years ago?

[Anonymous]

[Oliverlogan263]

This is kinda personal so it's up to you what you want to share, but generally I'd say:

If your close friends have known you by your old name for a long time, I'd let them know respectfully that you now go by your new legal name. It helps them understand who you are now. But you don't gotta make a big announcement.

As for your partner, definitely tell them. They should know who you really are if it's serious. Explain why you changed it and that it means a lot to you. Chances are they'll understand and respect your decision.

Some other people, it's not a huge deal either way. If it comes up naturally that's fine, but no need to make an announcement. And if you've only known acquaintances a short time, you may not even need to bring it up.

Overall just weigh who's close vs who isn't. Your real friends will support the name you choose. Good luck, hope it goes well for you either way! Change can be hard sometimes but you gotta do what feels right.

[Charliefretz329]

Sounds like a good thing to be honest about so they don’t find out later and think you’re hiding things

[HollyK21]

That’s a tough one. On one hand I want to say no because the new name is supposed to be a fresh start and the old one can come with trauma or whatever else. But at the same time it’s part of the identity you’ve created and if anything is still attached to that old name and it comes up, mainly your spouse would feel blindsided, possibly question if you’re a trustworthy woman to grow with. So I guess my advice leans more towards yes but act within your comfort levels.

[YourSong]

Only if you feel comfortable with it

[Danny_dan92]

Yeah do it