You could start by not over analysing your choice to not take your husband’s name. I’m sure you could think of some more productive issues to devote mental energy to. Also, stating your rationale for doing something does not inherently negate another’s choice. So if a woman feels belittled, let her. It was her choice…

First paragraph’s proposed quandary will be eradicated by the advent of test tube wombs.

I think so. I am from France and some of the stereotype from Americans about French women are true I believe: we look better as we age. None of my girlfriends have this kind of problem with men rejecting them because they are “too old.” This is anecdotal of course. All my girlfriends are in good shape from walking or…