Still working on Social Awareness over here on my EQ journey! February was fun as I came up with a list of back pocket questions. I have a handful, which will work based on the situation and group of people I am in. This month, I am focusing on greeting people by name.

I am the first to admit that I am terrible with names. I’m amazing at remembering faces, and that I’ve met someone, but names? Oof…I have such a difficult time remembering them. I know, I know. There are different cheats to remember a person’s name, and I’ve tried many of them. It works for the short-term, but not for the long-term. Anyway, this strategy says to “[m]ake this month the time to practice saying “Hello [name]” to one person each time you are in a group setting. Be sure to use the person’s name later in conversation as well.” (TalentSmart) I love this. I absolutely love this.

I have been trying to remember the mom’s names when I take Little Man to storytime, which is always fun, because we all remember the kids’ names, but not each other’s! We do introductions each week of ourselves and our kids, but I don’t know what it is that we cannot remember each other’s names. Maybe it’s because we are talking about the little ones; “So Soozie Patoozie is feeling better this week? Tiny Tim is fighting his naps, and it’s been rough!” and not focusing on making our own connections.

In the book, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, on this topic, Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves write “Whatever the story is behind your name, it’s an essential part of your identity. It feels so good when people use your name and remember it.” (p. 139). This is so true. I have joked in the past that I will answer to pretty much anything, “Hey You!” being one of the most common. This quote from the book, though, it really speaks to me. There is something about being remembered and called the correct name. It creates a connection, and makes you feel that you matter, and that you are a part of something. If I feel this way, I know that others must feel the same. So, here is to calling people by their names! And, if I cannot remember yours, I do apologize. Please let me know what it is, and just know that I am working on it.