Step-father asks 13 and 16-year-old step-daughters to change their last names, mom "lectures" teens over decision: 'My answer didn't change'

These parents think their teen girls are being stubborn, while the teens are standing their ground and refusing to budge.

Changing your last name is kind of a big deal. You have to go to court with paperwork in order to get it approved, and then you have to change all your documents to reflect this change. It's not a decision someone makes lightly!

Anecdotally, a lot of people I know say that they and their spouse will choose whoever has the cooler last name. Instead of the traditional way of the newlywed couple taking the husband's last name, modern couples are picking whichever last name sounds nicer. You can also just pick an entirely new last name that you both like! Exercise your free will, people!

This family is having a much more serious conversation about their last name changes, however. The step-dad wants his step-children to hyphenate his last name onto theirs. If the girls had politely thought it over and then refused, he might've been less hurt. But instead, they instantly said no, leading to a whole bunch of family drama that you can read about below.

Next, read about a few mildly infuriating moments, like one person who was aghast that "My roofer [is] asking for a tip on a $2,600 roof repair."

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via Mike Scheid on Unsplash+

_{The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.}
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"AITA for refusing to hyphenate my name to add my stepdad's name?"

via u/SoftLeahKey
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via u/SoftLeahKey
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via u/SoftLeahKey
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via u/SoftLeahKey
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via u/SoftLeahKey
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via u/SoftLeahKey

The mom choosing not to introduce the step-dad is an odd choice. Instead of carving out a space for himself as a step-dad, this makes it seem like he's trying to "replace" their actual dad. It didn't have to be this way, but it seems like the mom didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
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via Curated Lifestyle For Unsplash+

_{The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.}
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Commenters sided with the siblings, telling them to stand their ground

via u/LimeInternational856
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via u/Mcgill1cutty
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Hit him with the Uno reverse card!

via u/19Miles84

Although it's silly, maybe this could be a good way to restart the conversation between the parents and the kids.