Iām actively happier since I recognized some time ago that I could make ordinary engagements somewhat special, most of the time much more fun, by asking for the persons name. Itās not for everyone, but itās also not an ~extroverted~ habit either. Iāve hardcore belly laughed on customer service phone calls, and secured standing tables at some of my favorite waterholes, for this low-lift practice. I think it encourages strangers to be themselves. *If you are the kinda person who wants go the extra mile, try making a stoic bouncer smile. The high of accomplishing this feat is unbelievable.**
making an effort to remember someoneās name upon first meeting says a lot about oneās character & interpersonal skills ! (it often makes the other person feel good & Seen ~) it seems insignificant, but meeting new people and remembering their names is truly so special. if we have the privilege to grow old, this will be something we wonāt get to experience as often, due to less interactions with strangers & a declining memory. in a day & age with so much noise and thoughts and distractions, remembering another humanās name seems like the least we can do to help sustain connection and humanity.
Iāve always had struggles starting/maintaining conversations, so when I was in college, I would find something to compliment a stranger on (typically a cashier or someone I had to talk to) because I remembered how good I felt when I unexpectedly got a compliment from someone. When I myself became a cashier at a coffee shop, it was a really nice way to make someone feel good if they looked bored or upset. It also helps with awkward silences. I still do it when I can or when the situation calls for it, and itās so nice to see people react and smile.
when you guys donāt know each other that well, or maybe have only met between one and five times. It shows them youāre awake, alert and oriented, and know who they are! Then maybe theyāll ask for your name if they forgot it too.
what a time to be depressed in middle school. my uniform was flower crowns, combat boots, a skirt, tights and a graphic t-shirt. I thought my tumblr was so fucking sickāI copied some code on the backend so Born to die by Lana del Rey played and the mouse was a skull. So funny that at the time I was terminally unique, now this shared experience is something you can practically smell on early 20 year old gays.