Friday, April 4, 2014

How to Make Someone Feel Special

I have a job at a small Subway restaurant near us. Once when I made the customer's sandwich and wrapped it, I charged him for it. He paid and I gave him his sandwich in a bag. He then took the bag, looked me in the eye and said, "Thank you, Bonnie. Have a great day!"

You know what? I felt so special!!!

He had obviously seen my name on my nametag. I have only ever heard one customer say my name to me before, and that was him. It completely made my day. He took the time to look at my nametag and then use my name to thank me. 

It seems like such a small thing. But it wasn't! I glowed for the next hour!

Names are something everyone has. Sure, some people have the same name, but it is still them. I can't imagine myself with another name! Bonnie just wouldn't be Bonnie if I had a different name. 

A person's name defines them. It is them, come to think of it! People feel special if you use their names. I certainly feel special when someone uses my name.

My sister has an unusual name. Her name is Danella. (Pronounced Dan-ella, it's pretty straightforward!) Most people pronounce it either Daniella, Danyella, Danielle or any of a hundred other derivatives!

Yet she feels so special when someone takes the time to learn how to pronounce her name and then proceeds to say it right. Especially someone she doesn't know very well. She told me that because it is pronounced wrong so much, it is doubly awesome when someone makes an effort to say it right.



Here's a challenge today. Use names more often. (And in connection with complimentary terms, too, I might add!)

People feel special when you use their names. I don't know how many times I've said that in this post, but it's true and I want to get the point across!


Just a quick (and relevant) Bible verse too before I close.


Philippians 2: 9-11 NLT says (emphasis added):

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.


Blessings to you all!
~Bonnie


16 comments:

  1. Using someone's name is such a good compliment, isn't it Bonnie? ;)
    Only a few patrons have ever used my name at work, despite the fact that I also have a name-tag.

    I try to use people's name in conversations and blog comments. Doing a good job on this one, aren't I! :-)

    Thank you, for this post, Bonnie. I've been waiting to comment on it ever since I first saw the draft :-)

    Rhoda

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    1. Haha, such snoopers we are! ;)

      Yes, I enjoyed this, too, Bonnie. Very much of a down-to-earth post that I can relate to!

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    2. Haha lol... I totally always read your posts too when I see them sitting there with a 'scheduled' tag on them! Both of you! :P

      I'm glad you enjoyed it, Rhoda and Esther. :)

      (Rhoda, good job :) Esther, good job too :) Both of you top marks!)

      Have a great day!

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    3. Confession time, eh? :D

      And Bonnie--I think you should write more posts like this. I think it rung a deep bell in all of us. :)

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  2. Thank you, Bonnie, for this post! I totally agree.... Just someone sayin' "Hi Jessica" when they see me means a LOT!! A reminder for me to do the same. :)

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    1. Thank you, Jessica, for this comment! I'm glad my post was helpful in some way. Keep shining for Jesus!

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  3. thanks for sharing! I don't tend to use people's names that much, but I will definitely try some more! My first and last names are constantly pronounced and spelt wrong, and I do appreciate it when people say and spell it write.

    Love ~*Chantelle*~

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    1. I have a friend with your name, Chantelle. Isn't it pronounced "Shon - tell" kind of? Maybe it's different. :)

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    2. :) Most people pronounce my name how it is spelt "Chan-telle", but "Shon-tell", "Shon-tal" and "Chan-tal" are just different pronunciations! I think the actual correct French pronunciation is "Shon-tell". I don't really mind how people pronounce my name now!

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  4. Bonnie, thank you for that post. I totally understand the feeling when someone acknowledges me by my name. In the hospital setting where I work, we are encouraged to address patients by their name as well. Thank you again!

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    1. You're welcome, Andrea. It makes everyone feel special. :)

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  5. now I know to thank someone by their name is they have a name-tag on!! blessings sister Bonnie!

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  7. Thank you so much for that, Bonnie! I love when people don't just say "hi", but "hi, Abigail!" It just gives you that warm and cozy feeling inside. There is no name down here as sweet as your own. I definately want to try to use people's names more from here on out.

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  8. I've been meaning to comment on this for a while =D

    Several weeks ago, my Dad, sister, and I went to a Subway ( :D ) and ordered lunch. As the man was wrapping up our sandwiches, I noticed he wrote our names on the wrapper. I commented on it and he said "I've been listening to y'all talk and caught your names!" It made me feel special that he took the effort to do that, and wrote our names on the wrappers, not just "Ham/cheese" or whatever. :)

    Thanks for your post, Bonnie! =)

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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”Colossians 3:17 (NIV)