March 10 may seem like just another run-of-the-mill day in March. But it turns out, it’s a holiday known as “Middle Name Pride Day.” Pretty sweet if you ask me, although I am not particularly fond of my own middle name. I will be on March 10 though!

This day of Middle Name Pride Day doesn’t really seem to have a true purpose at first. Who really cares about your middle name? Unless of course you go by your middle name, in which case your middle name is your real actual name. But why should we ask and be curious about the middle names of others?

The answer is simple — it shows that we care.

This simple, strange holiday is really a way for us all to get to know each other better. I for one, love knowing people’s middle names because just by knowing this simple little fact about someone, I feel like I become closer to them.

It is often these simple little facts about people that are the most interesting to me. They have the potential to spur long, meaningful conversations that go much deeper than simply learning a name. You may learn someone’s family history or family struggles and much more by simply asking them their middle name. You can learn so much from such simple questions.

Here are two more reasons: your favorite color and your favorite number. If someone were to ask me my favorite color and number, I would say light blue and the number 14. Now, the conversation could end here as it often does. Or I may ask in response what their favorite color and number is as well. But, how about asking why? Why is your favorite color “this” or your favorite number “that?” I almost guarantee that most of the time, there are reasons behind these simple facts that can help you get to know a person much better.

So, in case you were wondering, light blue is my favorite color because I love the outdoors and the color of the sky; a beautiful light blue, never fails to calm me and bring me joy. My favorite number is 14 because I was born on the 14th of February. Funny story though, I love all odd numbers and very much dislike all even numbers — except 14 of course.

From those two simple questions, you can learn so so much. That is why I think it is important to ask the simple questions. People often think that to get to know someone, you have to ask all the extremely deep and important questions all the time. Don’t get me wrong, those questions are also a great way to get to know someone. But don’t underestimate the little, simple ideas because these lead to the big, complex ideas. Ask about someone’s favorite animal. Ask about their favorite color. Ask about their favorite movie. You can learn a lot about someone in this way.

So when March 10 comes around, as it soon will, I encourage you to ask at least five people for their middle name. And don’t be afraid to keep the conversation going. There are always things to talk about, no matter if they are simple ideas or important life lessons. Asking questions simply shows that we care and sharing the little things about ourselves with others and asking others about their own little things, can lead to even closer friendships and relationships. And that’s what
life is all about — caring and loving relationships.

And, in case you were wondering, my middle name starts with the letter “D,” but you will have to ask me to learn!