When I enter my local coffee shop, the barista says, “Good morning, Cathy! What would you like to drink?”  I realize knowing a customer’s name is good business practice - and it works. I like how I feel when someone addresses me by my name.

And so, my resolution this year is to learn the names of more people who sell coffee to me, dry clean my clothes, check out my groceries and offer kindness in business settings.

In a world of “press one for more options,” I opt to personalize my interactions with personal address. Sound good, gentle reader? 

(S-R archive photo: Barista Salina Nickell prepares a coffee drink for a customer.)

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