My Name Is Danny. What Is Your Name?

I once had a wonderful follower on my social media who always commented on my posts. She had a username that did not have her actual name on it. I would always respond with, “Thank you so very much, my friend.”

When she recently commented on my post, I thanked her and I decided to ask if she wouldn’t mind telling me her first name. I told her she didn’t have to, but I always want to show respect and acknowledgement by saying her first name, as opposed to saying, “my friend.”

She responded in a few minutes and told me her name was Elena. She thanked me for asking. I remember telling her she had a lovely name and she appreciated me saying that.

To be honest, I love saying people’s first names. I want them to know that I care, I am welcoming, and friendly. I want them to smile and feel good.

Saying someone’s name is a sign of appreciation and noticing a human being. When someone says your name or just says … “Hey,” it makes you feel good whether you are consciously aware or not.

Our name is our identity. And when we hear our name in any way, shape, or form, we feel good. It was just like the time that I saw a movie and the little boy’s name was Danny. The mother put his coat on and said, “I love you, Danny.”

I felt warm and fuzzy because I heard my name, even if it was not directed at me. And when my name is directed at me I feel just as wonderful.

I love hearing my name. It tells me that I exist in this world.

Remember, there used to be TV shows or movies where someone mentions their name and they would say to the person, “You remembered my name.” They had a great happy moment.

Dale Carnegie once said, “A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” This is absolutely true.

Affectionate nicknames
I am sure many do this, but if you don’t and you know someone well enough, give them a nickname. It shows a deeper connection with them.

I know another friend named Jules. And I have known her for so long that I call her Julesy. All it took was me adding that small “y” at the end to make her feel happier.

I see and hear you
Saying a name is all about acknowledgement. It connects you with someone on a deep level, especially if they are hurting in their lives. It shows them that you care enough to say their name, and it can even help them open up to you.

Nobody deserves to feel ignored, lonely or unwanted. Acknowledging someone shows empathy, kindness and acceptance. Unfortunately, we do see unkindness in the world, but your kindness can help and make people feel better.

Leaders
Great leaders always take time to shake hands and get to meet their employees. But, the first thing they will do is not only introduce who they are, but want to know about the people working for them. It does not matter what job position the person has, a great leader will always give respect and admiration to whoever works for them, and saying their name makes it the cherry on top.

Relationships
Whether it is a friendship or forming a romantic relationship, nothing will be formed if there is no name exchange. There will be no comfort and it will probably make each other more closed off. Saying a name opens that communication and becomes the catalyst for getting to know each other.

Uniqueness
The truth is you are given your name for a reason. And even though there might be many who share your name, you bring your own uniqueness to it, especially given your last name. Your name is a source of power and strength. Never, ever forget that. This is your identity. It is how the people in your life know you, as well as the people who will know you in the future. It separates you just like water is separated from a desert.

Your name is your legacy
Let’s think about this for a second. Every novel (fictional book) you read and every movie you watch, you will notice all characters have a name. Their name tells us a story about their character and separates them by having their individuality. We come o love, hate, or feel sorry for these different characters/actors all from a name.

Imagine a book or movie with no names at all. I don’t know about you, but I would get confused and bored pretty quickly. That is why our names are important to us. It cements our very own specialness in the world we live in.

Saying someone’s name in a conversation is great. Just make sure you don’t overly say their name in every sentence, as this might come across the wrong way or give the wrong impression. Just keep it simple and casual.

Another thing is to make sure you say the name correctly, even if it is hard. People get impressed if you can say a hard name accurately. While some get offended if said incorrectly.

For example, my real name is Dhananjay. The reason I was called Danny was because my kindergarten teacher could not make the effort to say my name. So because there is a D.A.N.N.Y in Dhananjay, they call me Danny. But, some can say my real name so easily that I feel so happy, in addition to hearing my name, Danny.

So the next time you are in a conversation with someone, or even if you see a cashier with a name tag, go ahead and say their name. And if you don’t know their name, just ask. This sounds cliché, but life is indeed too short. As social creatures, let us continue to engage with people and make them feel good.

So go out there and make a NAME for yourself, because there is only one you.

God bless you and never give up!

Image by Maicon Fonseca Zanco from Pixabay