How many times have you forgotten someone’s name? It happens to me ALL THE STUPID TIME. Sometimes it’s someone I’ve known for years. Oh how I hate it. 
It’s not that I don’t like, respect, or care for that person.
It’s because my brain, like a computer, sometimes goes into sleep mode. It’s just like when I can’t think of the simplest word. It often makes me wonder if I’ve killed too many brain cells!
What’s in a name anyways? It’s just a dumb label that we all have. Our name doesn’t define us. It doesn’t represent who we are. I like to think that these things are true (and they are), but here’s the thing: Remembering someone’s name and calling them by their name is one of the most powerful and loving things you can do for them. That’s why I HATE to forget.
Have you ever said, “I have a hard time remembering people’s names.”? Yeah, me too. It’s a cop out. It’s a BS excuse. Another way to say the same thing is, “I don’t care enough about people to remember their names.” Yes, it’s hard. So are a lot of things in life.
When you use someone’s name when you greet them, you are saying many things to them. I remember you. You are important. You are valuable. You are worth my time. I am not better than you. I care about you. Can you remember a time that you were surprised that someone remembered your name? I can. How I view/feel about that person was dramatically changed for the good from that moment forward. It’s a powerful thing.
So, like the rest of us, you struggle to remember names. Here are some things you can do.
- Whenever you meet someone and they tell you their name, picture it written in big
bold letters across their forehead. Look away and picture it again. - Use name association. Think of other people with the same name and try to come up with something else they have in common. Try to make it so that when you see this person again, you will think of the other person with the same name.
- Use word association. My wife’s name is Amanda. I’ve heard people call her Amanda Panda. By associating her with a Panda, you can be reminded of her name.
- When in doubt, look them up on Facebook or ask a friend for help.
But what about when you mess up and call someone by the wrong name? I’ve done it. Several times. Ugh. What a horrible feeling for both of you. I’ve found that it is best to go right back to the person, admit your mistake, apologize and tell them that they are important to you and it won’t ever happen again. Don’t worry, people understand. That experience alone will ensure that you will never forget their name again.
I was called by the wrong name by someone that I have met numerous times just last weekend. In fact, it seems to happen a lot. My name is Skip (or William) Stephens. I get called Stephen Williams, Scott (last weekend), Chip, Steve, and all kinds of stuff. I don’t get upset by it, but it’s a natural human response to be a little put off. I also give people credit for swinging and missing.
It takes work, but it’s very important to remember (or research) people’s names and to use it. Remembering someone’s name and calling them by their name is one of the most powerful and loving things you can do for them. So be bold and loving – Use names, smile, and forgive people that forget yours. Now go start name calling and have a great day!
Love and Let 