Calling people by their names

Calling people by their names empowers them... did you know that?

During our trip to KK, my dad was extra sure to ask the names of all the people who helped make this trip memorable: the waiter, the flight stewardess and stewards, a guy on the roadside who told us directions...
I realized that this made them very empowered, and they felt very happy and lightened. But one thing that happened in the restaurant made me think. You see, there was this waitress, who was serving us something... I forgot what it was.... but my dad asked her what her name was, and she thought he was asking the name of that dish! It made me realize that she probably thinks that we are only here for the food, and the food is more important than her. But of course, things always come second after people!
I was also aware that getting to know their names draws us an inch closer to knowing more about them. If you didn't know your best friend's name, would you really be qualified as best friends? And after knowing their names, our impression lasts longer. I remember all the names of the people my dad took the effort to get closer to, and their pleased looks made our day!
Taking the effort to remember names is not hard, you can:
a) write them down
b) memorize them
c) remember in your heart
I suppose you know which way is the most effective...