Precious Precocious Children

I had a wonderful conversation with my 7-year old granddaughter last week:

Grandma, when a boy and a girl gets married, it's the girl that takes the boys name, isn't it?

Usually, but not always.

When I get married, do I have to take the boys name?

No, you may decide to keep your own name and remain a Huerta your entire life.

Is that what you did?

No, when I got married, I didn't even realize I could do that. I changed later and went back to my other name, but I hyphenated it, so I'm sort of using both names.

My mom didn't want to do that.

No?

No, she didn't want to keep her other name. Do I have to get married?

No, baby doll, you do not have to get married. You may remain single your entire life if you chose to do that.

Grandma, if I get married, do I have to kiss the boy at the wedding?

I don't suppose you'd have to. But I think if you're not ready to kiss him, you're not ready to get married. Maybe you'd just better wait awhile.

Okay, Grandma.

I shall someday remind her of this converation!