A rose by any other name
Dan can't remember names.
My mom once asked me if she could email him and name-drop me to get her foot in the door. I told her she could name-drop as much as she wanted, it wouldn't matter.
"Don't you hang out at his house all the time?" she asked.
Yes, I've spent many a lonely moment in his home. He helped me move into my first apartment. He called me once to make sure I had food. He loaned me his garment bag on my first business trip.
Not only is Dan Elle's dad but Dan and I worked in the same office for a year. I used to think that people who said they were bad with names were just lazy. Dan proved me wrong. I've known Dan for almost four years.
I spent my second Easter with Dan today. He called me Annabelle. He called me Gabrielle.
Sometimes, he gets close and calls me Abby.
I hardly notice anymore.
And I lied. I still think people who say they're bad with names are just lazy. I think Dan is an exception. Because he helps me move and he calls to make sure I have food and I know he would remember my name if he could. Besides, I don't think he even notices that he doesn't.
Comments
I just can't relate to people like Dan.
That's so weird.
Posted by: matt | April 16, 2006 10:32 PM
I CAN! Who needs to drop names? I've now got events, emotions, relationships.
Actually, here's my observation: Dan has a heart of Christ. He is motivated by heart not by intentional manipulation - and this is reflected in his actions.
Servant leadership - cool.
BTW, this is not a judgment on people who remember names. People love to hear their own name spoken. Those who discover the delight in remembering and speaking the name are often also motivated by a heart of Christ.
Posted by: Sally McGrath | April 17, 2006 6:12 AM
I have a hard time remembering names too. Well not yours, Clare, but most other people.
Posted by: Heather Anne | April 17, 2006 6:24 AM
I'm usually pretty good with names, but it's not really something I can give someone too hard a time with when I've forgotten my own name. So I have to give people some slack on the name thing.
Posted by: Jenn | April 17, 2006 6:41 AM
I pretty much always forget people's names as soon as I meet them, unless there's previous context attached -- but am pretty good the second or third time. I kind of think it's charming that Dan just can't get it. It's definitely his 'thing'. Well, one of them anyway.
Posted by: sandra | April 17, 2006 11:27 AM
I am bad with names, and I am lazy.
In my family we all have three or four, the first few being other family members until they finally get to the right one.
I am stopping by to say hello and I look forward to meeting you at TequilaCon this Saturday.
Hi! *waves*
Posted by: Sarah | April 17, 2006 11:31 AM
Awww...
Good story, Abigail.
Thanks for giving me hope since I'm hopeless about remembering people's names. ;)
Posted by: Heather Leah | April 17, 2006 1:56 PM
That's nothing.
A story:
My mother knocks on the bathroom door: "Who's in there?"
My brother: "Me."
Mom: "Me who?"
Brother: "Jason."
Mom: Long, homeschool mother sigh. "I DON'T HAVE A SON NAMED JASON!!"
Brother: "I mean JUSTIN! Justin."
Posted by: SHEPHERD | April 17, 2006 2:20 PM
You know Abigail, I never forget names or faces. And especially, which face goes with which name. Even if it is someone I spoke to for a total of 60s in my life. See, I'll never forget you. ;)
Shepherd, guess who is catching Belle & Sebastian perform this June?? =)
Posted by: Aakanksha | April 17, 2006 8:31 PM
You know, I waited all day for someone to quote Cooper Neilson. You all disappoint me. Especially you, Heather Nicole.
Posted by: Abigail | April 18, 2006 12:29 AM