There is a word that holds magic under it’s wings. It isn’t please or thank you, although those two words are so very valuable. The word we overlook, forget, and don’t listen to when told to us, is the sweetest word in the world to people.
So we must be careful not to have our way with it…and take liberties with it…that we have no business taking.
So here are a few SHORT guidelines to honoring others by using their name the right way.
- We should never shorten or make a nickname out of someone’s name. The reason we usually throw a nickname on someone is that we hope it will endear us to them, give them a special feeling – a closeness that maybe others don’t have with them. Nicknames rarely work and most people don’t care for them. As much as I preach and teach this truth, I am guilty of doing this myself. I did this with a person who was an educator at my child’s school. The first time I used the nickname it was funny but every time I used it after her jaw would clinch and slide slightly to the left. Even so, I continued with that nickname. It felt kind of like pressing for an elevator when you know it’s already passed your floor. She finally told me she didn’t care for it and I thought to myself – knucklehead!!! – you know better. So nicknames are out for me. I will continue to listen closely when someone shares their name and use it, even if it has 13 syllables.
- Never say “I forgot your name.” Because none of us wakes up in the morning with the the thought – Whew! I sure hope I am forgotten today. Listen when someone shares their name.
- Never say “I can’t remember your name.” We all want to be memorable, so listen when someone shares their name. It is gift to the person, a treasure a person carries with them from birth to death so treat it with honor, value and respect.
