Congratulations! (?) !

Upon finding out my recent name change to Johnson, what is the first word out of people's mouths? "Congratulations!" I have to laugh to myself when I then have to explain that I did not get married but I undid a marriage. They are most often struck with awe and disbelief and some are embarrassed because they do not know what to say next. In their awkwardness I tell them that it is okay and that they can still say congratulations to me. It is a good thing and my life has gone on. They nervously look at me and say "ok" before changing the subject.

So what is it that makes people say Congratulations right off the bat? Because I am only 29 years old? Because most people at work had no clue and many have told me they never knew I was going through anything like this? Because that is what you assume? Obviously for those that know my maiden name, they realize the change that took place but I had been a Bellenir for over 8 years so my identity for most people in my circles now is just that. The change to Johnson has been strange. Signing my name a different way, answering to a different name and going to change my name on every piece of identification I have! Kind of a strange process but it feels good to be a Johnson again.

The moral of this story? Do not assume that a name change is due to marriage....... While I am fine with people make the honest mistake, I know there are others who have worse situations and do not like when that error is made.