Yes, that last sentence threw me, as using a name for the rest of your life is a good indicator that it was recognized :D I changed my last name to my very dif

Yes, that last sentence threw me, as using a name for the rest of your life is a good indicator that it was recognized :D I changed my last name to my very different middle name, leaving me with no middle name (and thus no initial, alas!). People who have not changed their names overestimate how much anyone cares. For instance, some credit card companies allow you to change your name online. Then they help to perpetuate the change by reporting it to the credit agencies.