Remember Names!

 Remembering is a skill. Sure, there are those who have been blessed with a good memory. But they are exceptions. For most of us, remembering is a skill, like speaking in public, singing, reading, thinking, or swimming. We improve at a skill by hard work—direct effort applied with a good deal of concentration, mixed with proper know-how. 

One of the most glaring weaknesses we often confess is in the realm of remembering names. We excuse it by saying: "I'm not good at remembering names!" or "Your face is familiar, but what was that name?" That's better than: "Your breath is familiar, but not your name."

 

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Remember-Names

There is a story told by a comedian about his neighbour, an elderly gentleman and wife who returned from their summer holiday. As a good neighbour he offered to help with the luggage. Asked where did he go? The neighbour with dementia couldn’t answer and he needed to ask his wife. Not remembering her name too, he asked the good neighbour what is the plant that grows on the side of a wall? The good neighbour replied “Lily”! “Ah yes” he said and went on to ask “Lily, where did we go for our holidays, dear?” 

The secret lies in that very brief period we stand face to face with another person—in fact, the most important person in your life at that moment. So is the name! How you fit the name with the face—and cement both together in your memory bank—is of crucial importance.

Perhaps remind yourself at each introduction and handshake:

This person is important (because he or she is!).

God has arranged our meeting (because He has!). 

It would be safe to say that people with remarkable memories developed them because of a driving need or desire. One of the keys that unlocks a person's soul is the realization that you are interested enough to call him or her by name. Let that be your driving force as you make the concerted effort to remember someone's name. 

Don’t worry if you don’t, I am poor at this! 

Reference:

Remembering Names, Part One, by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

(Excerpt taken from Come before Winter and Share My Hope by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1985, 1988, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. )