We’re All Naked, Really

Recently I was introduced to a young woman in a sales training program. About half an hour after our introduction, she walked up to me and I asked her name.

Her response, delivered with what I perceived as having a very sharp edge, was, “I’ve already introduced myself to you!”

I was taken aback.

Later, I had an opportunity to talk privately with her. Here’s what I said: “I apologize for not remembering your name. And I do want to say that, when you responded, ‘I’ve already introduced myself to you,’ I actually heard, “I’ve already introduced myself to you… stupid!”

She looked so shocked! What she said then blew me away. “I was afraid I just wasn’t memorable!” It melted my heart.

“You are definitely memorable, “ I said to her. “It’s just that there is one of me and 40 of you, so sometimes I get overwhelmed.”

In this moment of vulnerability, we both grew. I distinctly remember thinking, “We’re all naked, really!”

My Take-Away: We all want to be memorable! And, in our search for this, we are all naked and capable of being hurt, even when that is not the intention. Be kind to one another and make an effort to actively participate in conversations, because it is in our ability to truly be present that we remember moments and people best.