The Name Game

The Name Game

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet.”
William Shakespeare

Well, it turns out there actually is quite a lot to a name. No doubt, you have had the same experience as I had at one of my daughter’s sporting events. I’m being vague on purpose to hide my embarrassment. There, sitting twenty yards away, were the mother and father of my child’s teammate.

I waved in a friendly manner but did not go over to chat. I’ve known this couple for a dozen or so years, though in my defense only see them sporadically. Though I remember her name, don’t read any meaning into that, I still can’t remember his name, though it may be Bob, or not.

I didn’t want to go over and say “Hi” to Jane, without greeting Tarzan by his name. And you know as well as I do that it is really obvious, within seconds, when you are talking with someone who’s name you know, and you know that they don’t remember your name. A dead give-away is when they call you “friend” or” buddy.”

What’s even worse is when neither one of you can remember the other’s name but both stand there pretending to the other that you do know their name. Asking your companion how they spell their name is chancy, especially if their name turns out to be Bob or Sue.

I wrote a post a year or two ago–ok, I can’t remember when it was, but I know I wrote it, though I don’t remember its title either. I do remember it was about not being able to remember my date’s name, when I was about to introduce her to a girl I had a crush on in high school. Ah-ha! The post is called, “What’s In a Name?” Alright, I had to look that up.

And don’t say it’s because I’m older than I used to be. We’re all older than we used to be, and I’ve always had trouble remembering names, especially when their owners are sprung on me at parties, and I have to introduce them to multiple other people whose names I can’t remember either.

A tip I have found helpful is this: when you wear a name tag put it on your right side, not your left. This way if you turn to the side to shake hands with someone at a crowded function, they will be able to see your name tag. If you wear it on the left, they won’t.

So back to the point, and there is a point here. Consider this an open letter to my physician, dentist, lawyer and those who host business and social gatherings I attend. Please get name tags for your staff or guests, as the case may be. Your business will boom, my friend, and you’ll create a much more convivial atmosphere.

And anyway, I’m getting tired of calling everyone I meet “Buddy!”