I used to think I was bad at remembering names

But then I realize that in the first few moments of someone telling me their name, it’s the only thing I can think about.

“Nice to meet you, I’m…”

And like an F1 driver, my focus instantly sharpens. Everything goes quiet. I feel my pupils open up to absorb the way they look, ready to create new neural connections from their name to their face. I’m waiting for their mouth to move, their voice to sound, and their hand to reach out, like I’m watching the lights turn green.

Books like How to Win Friends and Influence People and Supercommunicators tell you that names are crucial. If you show someone that you remember their name, you leave a lasting impression on them. If I’m important enough for you to remember my name, then you’re probably important enough for me to remember yours.

I didn’t realize it until today, but I care so much about leaving that lasting impression. There’s a real, tangible value that you get when you remember someone’s name.

You won’t notice just how differently people treat you until you’ve done it for years.

“… John Doe, right?”

“Oh, you remember me! What was your name again?” ✻