A Belgian woman is facing backlash from her American in-laws for refusing to take her husband’s last name after their wedding. Despite it being the law in Belgium, the woman’s in-laws were outraged and called her a “petty feminist b*tch” during a recent Zoom call.
The situation escalated with the in-laws sending hateful messages, causing her fiancé to become conflicted. Read on to find out how the woman is dealing with this situation and whether she is truly in the wrong.
Intercultural couple faces backlash over traditional last name expectations.

Meeting the in-laws for the first time in a new country

Breaking tradition: Woman faces backlash for keeping her maiden name

Breaking tradition: Woman faces backlash for keeping maiden name

Defying patriarchal norms sparks name-calling from in-laws

Standing up for my right to keep my maiden name

In-laws react aggressively when woman refuses to change name.

Woman called a “petty feminist b*tch” for keeping her name

Fiancé consoles bride-to-be after in-laws insult her name choice

Standing up for my last name caused a family feud

Choosing your own name shouldn’t lead to insults. NTA.

Supportive community helps woman stand up to in-laws’ insults ❤️

Overcoming fear of confrontation due to past experiences

Standing up for herself against in-laws’ sexist comments

Fiance stands up for woman called petty feminist by in-laws

Setting boundaries with in-laws after name dispute ♀️

Bride-to-be hopes for in-laws’ apologies after name-calling incident.

Couple agrees on children’s last name despite previous name conflict.

Woman faces backlash for not taking husband’s surname
A woman’s decision to keep her maiden name after marriage has sparked a heated debate with her future in-laws. The woman, who lives in Belgium, explained to her fiancé’s family that it is illegal for women to take their husband’s last name in her country. Despite this, his mother and father launched a vicious attack on her, with his father even resorting to name-calling.
The woman’s parents have also urged her to change her name to avoid further conflict. While the fiancé is caught in the middle, he has promised to support his partner’s decision. The incident has left the woman feeling shocked and upset, and she has turned to Reddit for advice.
Many have rallied behind her, but others have criticized her for not compromising to keep the peace. What do you think? Is it important for women to take their husband’s last name, or should it be a personal choice? Share your thoughts below about the situation .
Fiance needs to step up and defend against in-laws’ harassment

Stand your ground and set boundaries with in-laws.

Cutting toxic family members out? NTA all the way!

NTA for not taking husband’s last name, in-laws are close-minded.

In-laws are TA, but will fiancé stand up for OP? NTA

Support for keeping maiden name; in-laws’ true colors exposed
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/12ce28fe-9802-48a6-ace3-7af838b3f528.png)
Woman stands up against name-changing traditions, receives support from commenters

Keeping your last name after marriage- cultural differences and personal choice.

Navigating cultural differences and in-law drama, NTA stands firm

NTA for not taking husband’s last name, in-laws being unreasonable

Stand your ground, spouse needs to fully support your decision

Husband’s family resenting wife for living on another continent. NTA

Stand tall and don’t give in to small-minded people

Woman faces backlash for not taking husband’s last name, seeks explanation

Stand up for yourself and don’t let them bully you

In-laws insult woman for not taking husband’s name, but she’s NTA

Stand up for yourself! Don’t let their close-mindedness bring you down.

Taking a stand on a last name, and rightfully so!
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/4e08fa36-c761-4408-82c8-d21f9d0cc126.png)
NTA commenter receives witty agreement from reply.

User defends commenter and advises to stand up against disrespect.

Stand your ground and don’t give in to bigoted in-laws

Stand your ground and let your fiancé handle his family

Respectful name choices: NTA, in-laws name-calling unacceptable.

Your name is part of you, ignore the in-laws

Setting healthy boundaries is a must

Supportive spouse turned doubtful after in-law’s name-calling.

Standing up for yourself against sexist in-laws

Stand your ground and let your husband handle his toxic family

Choosing not to take spouse’s name sparks conversation on naming customs

Choosing to keep or change your last name doesn’t affect commitment.

Cultural differences clash with old-fashioned views

Stand your ground and don’t let abusive in-laws control you.

In-laws criticize woman for not taking husband’s name, but it’s just jealousy.

Supportive reply advises going no-contact with xenophobic in-laws.

NTA: Changing names is a pain, advised daughter not to.

Fiance’s family calls her names for not taking his name. NTA.

Toxic in-laws? Block them and stand your ground

Breaking stereotypes: Husband takes wife’s last name, NTA wins!

Commenter defends OP and insults in-laws’ cultural ignorance

Breaking cultural norms: Support for wife’s decision

Commenter defends NTA stance, in-laws’ location adds humor
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/f4254fdf-fde6-478b-bde6-1f970cd758fe.png)
Breaking tradition: Woman’s husband takes her last name instead

Keeping your last name shouldn’t lessen your marriage. ♀️

Keeping your name? NTA! Stick to your guns!

Commenter defends against insulting cultural generalization, advises caution.

Supportive comment gets unexpected negative reaction from parents.

Standing up for her beliefs against in-laws’ xenophobia

Stand your ground and make your fiancé defend you

Love wins! A supportive spouse is all you need ❤️

Belgian law prevents spouse from taking husband’s last name. NTA.

Support for not taking husband’s last name against in-laws’ bigotry

Love is love, names don’t matter!

Changing last name won’t fix in-laws’ racism ♀️

Rejecting patriarchal traditions doesn’t make someone a ‘petty feminist b*tch’ ❌
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/78f4ea6e-4367-49e0-ad8c-5eb65088e65c.png)
Keep your name and block the family!

NTA. Stand your ground and cut toxic in-laws out.

Don’t let anyone bully you into changing your name.

Breaking the norm: One woman’s decision to keep her name.

Stand up for yourself and your name with a . NTA

Empower yourself! Stand up against family pressure. NTA

Breaking gender norms and marital expectations.

Keep your name, it’s 2021. Fiancé needs to handle in-laws

Block his ignorant family and rethink the wedding.
