I sometimes recall names, but I always recall a lot of information about the person, even from many years ago. That’s the fabric of the person’s life and much more interesting to me than the name. When I see someone I know, I usually say - ‘hi, I’m Margaret’, hoping it will prompt a mirror response, not just ‘I know’. Having a Nepali husband, and having spent a fair amount of time in India, I am seriously challenged to remember unfamiliar-sounding Asian names. Lucky for me, South Asian people seldom address others by name. ..but that’s another story!

I’ve never been good remembering names of people I meet at large social gatherings. I would become too overwhelmed. This was often the case when my ex and I were the guests (of honor). However, if I meet someone who has a very unusual name, or if someone shares a name with a favorite relative, or with someone in classic literature, for example, then I sometimes remember that person’s name. Actually, I’m getting a little better. I now make an effort to try to remember names of people who seem eager to introduce themselves. I shake their hand and repeat their name. More often, I confess, people I’ve met at social affairs will walk up to me while I’m out shopping, and often I don’t recall who they are. Yet, often some remember my name, then they reintroduce themselves, saying, “I’m _________. Remember me?” I politely respond, “Nice seeing you again,___________.” When they walk away, I then repeat their name in my head. This usually works well, and if I see that individual again, I recall their name. Also, these last few years, I’ve begun keeping a small spiral notebook next to my desk and one next to my night stand. I jot down names of people I meet, and also other information, which I sometimes have difficulty recalling, like names of (famous) individuals in politics, science, theater, etc. Or, I jot down titles of songs, books, movies, etc.; anything I want to remember, I jot down in my little notebooks. I also carry a ‘cheat sheet’ listing the names of immediate family and friends, which include their telephone numbers, cell, email address, and date of birth. My reason is because I realize that I’m more forgetful!! Also, my address book is simply too full, and it’s easier for me to update my ‘cheat sheet’ with the the changing personal information that my family and close friends send me. Overall, I do try my best to remember the names of people who seem genuinely interested in meeting me. I think it’s simply polite. After all, I certainly like it when people I’ve met in the past walk up to me, and remember my name. The least I can do is to return the compliment and try to remember who they are.

I just can’t do it…