Okay, I really don’t call people “names”. Technically, I do, but not in the sense you’re thinking when I mention that phrase.

 

For the last 2 years, I’ve been making it a point when I meet people to call them by their name whenever possible.

 

If we’re out to eat; if we’re at a grocery, department, or hardware store; if we’re traveling; etc. I love to peek at their name tags and use what I’ve just learned in conversation with them.

 

Honestly, it bugs me when people I’ve worked with for some time, or have consistent encounters with hurriedly call me ‘bud’, ‘pal’, or ‘guy’ because they can’t think of my name.

 

Am I that forgettable? Invisible? Irrelevant?

 

Look, with all the things we go through on a daily basis and yet we show up to work, church, or whatever commitment we have and put on a façade that hides what we’re going through, the least I can do is use your name when we’re speaking.

 

I don’t intend to make a new bestie out of everyone I call by their name, but hopefully, it’ll convey that I’m attentive and care about them as a person. (Yes, you read that right, I said “bestie”).

 

You should see the reactions I’ve gotten too.

 

Not every name is easy to pronounce, and on more than one occasion I’ve flat out guessed at it and prayed I was right!

 

I remember leaving a local electronic store and on the way out the attendant was checking the items we purchased when I called her by what was written on her name tag.

 

Her eyes lit up and in amazement, she announced, “Wow! You said my name right! No one has ever pronounced it right!”

 

In my mind, I gave myself a high five, fist bump, and a collar pop. (See, I could make a new bestie if I wanted).

 

But, I’ll probably never see her again and she may never remember me or the time I said her name correctly.

 

I could also recount many other stories where I was met with looks of awe, surprise, and confusion as to why I would even say their names in our brief conversations.

 

The point is, if I have the opportunity, it’s my simple way of showing that I truly care about people.

 

If using their name lets them know that they aren’t invisible or irrelevant, then I hope that makes their day.

 

I imagine you’re wondering if there’s a point to this.

 

There is!

 

I know people, and I’m sure you do too, who struggle with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and all kinds of oppressing feelings every single day.

 

We don’t need for people to be more discouraged and disheartened than they already are today.

 

We don’t need for people to be more discouraged and disheartened than they already are today. Click To Tweet

 

Have we forgotten the Golden Rule? Treat others as you want to be treated.

 

I honestly believe there are A LOT of great people in the world with a desire to do good and make a difference.

 

I imagine you would put yourself in that category, wouldn’t you?

 

If each of us decided to start “calling people {by their} names”, what kind of windows into their world would it open up for us to show love, kindness, or help someone?

 

In leaving the “what if” behind, why don’t you try this strategy and see if you can brighten someone’s day or give them just a little bit of hope?

 

That’s all I’m setting out to do.

 

“What if” you joined me?

 

I’m curious if you’ve felt this way and if this would make an impact on you? Or, have you implemented a similar strategy in reaching out to people? Comment below and let me know!