The Impact of Names

Last night, I attended a singles activity with some friends. They were talking with a guy whom I have seen before, but don’t really know him. We have only briefly talked a couple of times in the past year or so… more like a passing “hi” than anything else.

As he joined the conversation with my friends and myself, I was surprised to hear him call me by name. Not only was I surprised that he knew my name, but to be addressed within the conversation by name was powerful.

Several years ago, a roommate and I were discussing the power of using someone’s name. She reminded me of a scene in the movie Ever After…

Danielle: Say it again.
Prince Henry: I’m sorry.
Danielle: No. The part where you said my name.

The sound of our name can be one of the sweetest sounds that we can hear. When someone addresses us by name, it makes the conversation more personal and has a positive impact. It also sends the message that the conversation is directly geared towards the person addressed. By addressing someone by name, the sender indicates that it is important for the receiver to receive the message… and that what is being said is a personal message to the receiver.

This is one habit that I would like to develop :)

Hitched or Ditched

Have you seen the new reality TV show called “Hitched or Ditched”?

This show focuses on couples who have been dating for a number of years and haven’t made the commitment to marriage yet. At the beginning of the show, the couple is presented with a wedding invitation… an invitation to their own wedding in one week from that day. They don’t have to make their decision to get married or not until the day of the wedding; at the alter before their family and friends. If they do not get married, then they break up for good.

Having been in a long-term relationship, this show has caught my interest. It isn’t a bad idea to put some pressure on the couple. Otherwise, it is easy to stay in the relationship as it has become comfortable… yet, stagnant. For me, it feels better to be single and moving forward… compared to being in a relationship and watching time pass me by.

Whether we are single or married, it is always good to be moving forward with goals, dreams, schooling, or whatever it is that we are aiming for in life :)