For many years I have observed the discomforting trend of changing one’s screen name to some derivative of their significant other. Some choose the classic GuyName’s Angel, GirlName’s Man, one of the thousand titles, or the joint effort of HisName & HerName complete with not-so-cutesy hearts. Anytime I have witnessed these changes, I have had to swallow the bile rising in my throat from the sheer mushiness of it all…Then today my perspective changed when I noticed the once-level-headed, should-have-been-deleted-years-ago contact on my MSN Instant Messenger had changed her name to “David’s Girl.” I no longer saw it as the disgusting couple-y-ness of yesteryear, but a forfeiture of one’s identity.
I am Kaitlin H. It is the name that was stamped on my birth certificate, the name I have born with all my life--spare a short stint as “Jasmine” after the Disney release of “Aladdin”--and that did not change when I started dating Fox, my now-fiance. The thought never even crossed my mind to change my screen names to Fox’s Sweetheart. In fact, if it did, I think we both would have shuddered until our teeth rattled down our throats.
Why has society, and the media, mind-screwed people into believing love is shedding who you are for a life of minivans and matching sweater vests? Fox and I embrace our differences, support individuality, yet love each other deeply, and have a strong relationship, make a good team. It is possible to be “one” without losing who you are, it just takes more work, and it's important to remember: The similarities might be what first bonded us, but it is the differences that keep it interesting.
So...I will remain Kaitlin, Kai, or whatever derivative of my name without the hearts and love-dovey titles.
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2 comments:
You've got a lot more figured out than people twice your age.
Being together doesn't mean that by default you have to lose your individuality.
B
Thank you, and exactly!
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