We at The (real) Stepford Wives Association believe strongly that marriage is a wonderful institution. When we married our husbands we were no longer simply "Becki Jones" or 'Stefanie Goodhead' we became Mrs. Peter Lowenstein and Mrs Barnaby Singleton. We are proud of our husbands names and wear them proudly. Their monogram is our own. Some years ago a major department chain announced they would,refer to guests as Mr or Ms., and this was met with a public outcry.
We would argue fervently the chain was correct sales clerks do no know us personally and referring to us by our first name alone is a bit too personal. Some groups said the idea was antiquated and terribly out of date. Let us make something clear, they only reason they know our names at all is because they got them off our credit card. They didn't ask for friendship and we aren't looking for a friend either. We are there simply to shop.
We went to our husbands and asked for their thoughts on this distressing subject. Their personal approach was varied. Some insisted on giving their wives cash for daily purchases, while others took a different approach instead reordering all the cards in their name only. When paying, they sign add the obligatory "Mrs" to their name on the receipt. Occasionally this was met with opposition. Banks and card issuers didn't care much for this approach -- and it can cause problems for our husbands as well -- if the credit number is corrupted, the issuer can say that he somehow authorized an illegal purchase. It simply creates more problems than its worth.
The best way this is handled is to carry cash for mundane purchases while our husband's provide escort for larger purchases that require a card. This also assures that our husbands approve of the purchase. it's a win! No longer are we plagued by pesky sales people towing the corporate line under the guise of being "friendly".
It solidifies the fact that our name is really their name and we at The (real) Stepford Wives Association wouldn't want it any other way!
