Hello!
My friend, Helen, is about three weeks into her "name tag" experiement. Every day, she wears a stick-on name tag that reads "Hello. My Name is Helen." She had the idea from a website where a man writes about his doing this for years.
Helen is an outgoing person to begin with. I met her more than 10 years ago when I lived and worked in Philadelphia. We were volleyball partners and became friends. She is an extremely positive, high energy person who brings a smile to practically every situation. The name tag element just adds spice to the pot.
At first, I thought she was nuts. Why would anyone want to look like a lost conventioneer? But she's found that folks are more likely to talk to her and to introduce themselves to her. Her experiences made me think about the first impressions we all make and create about others.
Folks who are on the far end of the spectrum on the quiet side might be viewed as "snobs." The most outgoing people could be seen as brash or overbearing. These behaviors are most likely manifestations of nervous energy; "How do I start a conversation? What do I talk about?" The name tag is a brilliant equalizer here. It creates a sense of comfort and approachability.
I'm eager to learn of Helen's adventures (and misadventures) with her name tag. What are your thoughts?
Claudette Lajam
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Reader Comments (5)
Of course Helen is nuts, that's what makes her such a UNIQUE, FUN person!!! I love to hang out with her, you never know what to expect next. There are too many negative people in this world & she is so far on the other end of that spectrum, it's unbelievable.
This name tag thing is contagious! It seems to be the highlight of conversations these days! We just recently had a girls night out and we all wore name tags and had such a blast with it! Even the chef at the restaurant wanted one!
I'm not sure I would be brave enough to wear one into the office, although I'm sure it would create a lot of interesting conversation:-)
I love being Helen's neighbor, she always has something interesting and different to bring to the table.
Helen is awesome, took me awhile to realize it; her actions do speak for themselves and herself.
All the best,
H.R.
I met Helen MANY moons ago when she lived in College Station, TX & worked at A & M vet school. Her life at that time was not the best, but she never gave up and always had a positive attitude regardless of what was going on around her. We were very close during those times & when she made the decision to move back to Philly I was saddened, but knew it would be the best thing for her. Your comments have proven she made the best choice for her & her son. I think of her often & still miss her friendship. I come across pics occassionally and remember the "Uno" nights we had at her place- we would play well into the morning hours & have the best time! Her positive outlook on life is indeed very contagious!
I HAVE to give credit to Scott Ginsberg(www.hellomynameisscott.com) for the whole nametag idea. He planted the seed and i guess you could say I just "watered" it - HA. It's been an interesting adventure so far. I don't know how long I will be wearing the nametag but for now I AM.