What's your name, girl what's your number

What is a name? A way to refer to someone? Does it have any meaning? Is a nickname more meaningful than a given name if it is the one used most? Is a name a personal thing, or a separate entity from the person?

It's funny how I deal with campers names all day in the office, and yet I have no idea who these kids are. Once in awhile I will discover that this face matches that name and then it will be an 'aha' moment, like I know you. But do I really know you just because I know your name?

It is a common question when meeting a new acquaintance to play 'Jewish Geography' and ask 'do you know so-and-so?'. Sometimes I will say, yes I know her, I've heard her name before. Or, she was in my grade in elementary school, I'm sure if I looked in the year book I'd recognize her, ya I know her name.

But do I really know her? Not at all.

Sometimes I find it strange when a total stranger calls me by name. When I answer the phone in the office I think that my name is irrelevant, so I only give it out when asked for it. And to hear it on the lips of a stranger- well it kind of feels like my name is a personal item of mine, and you can only use it with permission. So why are you using it when I don't really know you and haven't given you permission to enter my 'space' yet?

A name is something close to my heart. I feel that my name is unique, and it makes me who I am. I try to refrain from calling people by name unless they are a friend of mine or someone I know well. That is not to say that I am rude or refer to people as 'yo'. But to use a stranger's name feels weird to me.

I have a hard time remembering names. Maybe because it is so impersonal to me. I've heard that a good way to remember someone's name is when they introduce their self you look and them and say, 'hello ________ (fill in name here.) It is so nice to meet you.' That way, you are from the start connecting this name to this person, and the next time you see them you should be able to remember their name.

Try it. Let me know if it works.

So when you ask me my name and I tell it to you and you say "hello Altie nice to meet you", there may be a second where I pause and wonder, how do you know my name and why are you saying it like it is so familiar to you?

Maybe one day I will remember your name too. And when I say it, it won't feel so strange. And maybe it'll actually mean something to me.

In the meantime, hello stranger #1, stranger #2, yo, and you, and whatsyourface, and heyyouoverthere, and personwiththemostcommonnameicaneverrememberit. It is so nice to meet you.