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My name is Sarah Anne, and my maiden name was unpronounceable. Sorry, ancestors, but the only fabulous thing about our last name was that it was an awesome early alert system for telemarketers. “Hello, may I please speak to…*awkward silence*…” The awkward silence is an acceptable instance for hanging up on someone, most especially when he or she called during mealtimes.
I wish I could say that my married name is better, but sadly it isn’t. Four letters long, and somehow, some way, someone will find a way to pronounce the “Y” like an “L”. What?
I also have a rather large confession to make- I am horrible with names. Maybe it comes from my time in the Army, but if I don’t see your name across your chest, I have a tendency to forget it. I will not forget YOU, though, rest assured! Just today I ran into a girl that was stationed in my unit at Fort Bragg. We went off to war together for heaven’s sake, and I couldn’t remember her name. It was wretchedly embarrassing.
I have vowed to combat this personality flaw, though. I started using EVERYONE’S name. When I drive onto post, I will greet the officers by name. At the commissary, I call people by name when I thank them. Even at Big Sarge’s office, where all the soldiers are wearing their names on their chests, I call people by name.
Though it may be a little early to tell if I am remembering people’s names better or not, I have discovered a happy side effect to name-calling. It can really improve someone’s day, if only for a little while. I’ve noticed (especially with the officers at the gates) that they will smile a bit brighter. Such a simple little thing, using a name, but we will probably never know the larger impact that it can have.
My name is Sarah Anne. It’s nice to meet you.
What’s in a Name?
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