Monday 25 August 2014

How to Make Someone Feel Special

This was originally posted on the Jewels of Jesus blog a couple of months ago. I'm posting it here now because I don't think I ever did and I thought you might enjoy it. :)

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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.


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14 comments:

  1. But it can be awkward we when someone just says "Hi Tobias" And leaves you trying to figure out if you should actually know him or if he just read it of your name-tag. :)

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    1. Hmm... that's true, Tobias. But I think that if that happened you would probably assume that he read it off your name tag if you were wearing one, and if you weren't, then he probably knew you. :)

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    2. I was wearing one but he said it in a way as if he knew me :)

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    3. I suppose it just depends on the situation, really. :)

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  2. Wow! It's really great when someone takes the time to do something like that, not just brush you off. :) Like, I have an etsy shop. Well, it makes me feel SO special when someone picks my item, out of thousands of others to buy! It makes me feel so special. I just love that feeling! Great post, Bonnie! :D
    ~Sarah Margaret

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    1. Definitely, Sarah! It makes feel special. :) That's awesome that you have an Etsy shop! What do you sell?
      I'm glad you enjoyed my post. :)

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    2. Here is my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrochetedCelebration?ref=hdr_shop_menu
      I sell mostly crocheted party favors, but I sell other things as well. :)
      Have a glorious evening!
      ~Sarah Margaret♥

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    3. After I posted my comment I found your etsy shop through my blog! :) Your items are really pretty and well done! Good job.

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  3. Yeah, names do make us feel special. Really, small acts of kindness makes anyone feel special. I was in a situation like that except slightly different-- in fact, there was this old lady who spoke very little English, and I helped her with push one of those barrel rolls dispensers of tissue paper in a public bathroom. She tried to communicate to me what my name was (I didn't understand her) but when I did, she said, "Thank you." It was real sweet :)

    xoxo Morning
    http://theworldthroughmywindowsill.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks for commenting, MorningTime4! I love the story you shared. I guess it just goes to show how much things like that can mean!
      I'll go check out your blog right now. :)
      Have a lovely day!
      Bonnie

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  4. I agree Bonnie, whenever my dad does business calls or is out shopping, he usually asks for the person's name or looks at their tag and uses it. It almost always has an effect on the person and they suddenly become more friendly and open to help out. I did it over the phone sometimes too when I called in different places, and immediately noticed an effect in the way people relate to you. I can tell they are pleasantly surprised. :)

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    1. It's funny how it works, isn't it! Thank you for sharing, Rebekah.

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  5. I talk mostly with my characters and very rarely venture into the world beyond my house, so I haven't had much experience with this concept myself, although I notice that my dad uses people's names. However, I will make the comment that with my characters, for them to use another character's name is significant because they are thinking of that character as another person rather than as just another feature of the landscape.

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    1. You go beyond your house at least once a week and twice every other week that I know of... :) Lol :) I'm glad that you've found some way to incorporate it into your books!

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