The one thing I dislike most about myself is my memory. It’s nothing as serious as amnesia, but it sucks nevertheless.
The problem I’m talking about is putting a face to a name, or vice versa. I suck at remembering names. It’s already almost haft the year, and I only know half the students in my own class. It’s tragic by any standards.
Often, when I am out, I see people smiling at me, with ‘that look‘ which has the words “I know you, we’ve met somewhere, but do you remember me?”, and it totally sucks being not able to remember whom the person is. Even more embarrassing is when you eventually have to ask for their name, and admit that you’ve forgotten their name.
At most instances, I return that smile, probably lift up a hand to say “Hello“, or nod to show I see them, but at the same time, I avoid bumping into them directly hence avoiding a possible “Err.. what’s your name again?” situation. In fact, it’s always easier when guys (because I am a guy) are the ones you don’t remember because it doesn’t feel that awkward to be caught lifting your hand up, when the fact is he’s actually waving at someone behind you.
Now, imagine if it’s some girl waving at you, and you waved back out of politeness despite not really knowing who she really is, but you do it anyway because you’d wouldn’t want to be called arrogant (and, maybe because she’s hot 😛 ). But then, you realize she’s waving at her friends/girlfriends/boyfriends behind you. I believe, if that happened, you’d be wishing someone shot you that instant to avoid further embarrassment. If you’re unlucky, you might end up with a black eye to go with that innocent act of waving back.
Hence, I am wondering how some of you deal with such a situation when you can’t put a name to a face? Have you been there, done that? How about sharing some tips and tricks?