By Name

When the baby was young, I was very big on drilling into him that he should call people by name. If memory serves, I spent quite a bit of time harping on the importance of looking someone in the eye and saying, "Hello Mr. or Mrs. Jones." In my most desperate times, I remember saying, "They bothered to learn your name; you can use some brain cells to remember theirs." It's probably not the kindest approach to instilling manners but it worked for me.

I like it when people remember my name. My grocer, my dry cleaners, my pharmacist all call me by name. And of course, I know theirs. It's a nod of respect during a business transaction. It's also a touch of friendliness in a sometimes cold world.

Today I took the obituary and Hangdog's photo to the mortuary. I walked in and three people greeted me by name. They are wonderful people but I do wish we hadn't given them so much business lately that they know my name.