Nicknames Create Special Relationships

I secretly enjoyed the looks of shock on the faces around me when I said to the rambunctious inner-city boy, “Can I call you Saint?” I had arrived early to speak at an event and already three people had apologized to me for the behavior of this hyperactive boy I guessed to be around eight years old. It was immediately obvious from his well-worn and not-so-clean clothes he came from a poor home. But his excitement that a magician was there to perform was evident to all. I chose the nickname in part because of the New Orleans Saints hat he was wearing, and honestly, in part because it clearly contrasted with what the adults thought of him. I even heard chuckles when I nicknamed him Saint. But I know that kids live up to what we think of them. If we think little of kids, they think little of themselves. But if we believe they have the capacity to be a saint, then that is what they will strive to be!

Upon hearing my question, this little boy stopped in his tracks, straightened his back, and said, “Yes!” I answered, “OK, Saint,” putting some emphasis on his new name, “How about you help me set up for my show?” Saint became my helper for the rest of the evening. While his energy and enthusiasm were as full as ever, his countenance was beaming and his behavior was wonderful. Afterwards, a shocked leader said to me, “Tyrone has never behaved so well. What did you do?” I answered with a smile, “You mean, Saint was a saint?”  

We give nicknames to people we have a special relationship with. But nicknames can also initiate a special relationship.

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