Something I Learned This Year
What’s really struck me this school year is my lack of friends. I’m different from typical people. Very different. I don’t watch TV. I don’t have a cell phone. I don’t visit other people. Heck, I rarely leave my computer. But I’m going to need to. Amazing things are accomplished when people work together – the tough part being, finding the right people to work with. Unfortunately, I have a horribly difficult time remembering anyone’s names. If I don’t talk to someone at least four times per week, chances are good I do not know their name, no matter how many times I’ve heard it in the past. This is one reason why I’m too shy to make friends. And then, I don’t want to become like other people who are dependent on friends to get any work done. Once people get others that they can depend on, I’ve noticed that they tend to call them constantly, asking about homework. That’s like being a leech.
Hey Elliot,
Patrick, from Montreal. I am exactly like you, not being able to remember people’s name. Here are a few things you can do:
learn their names, as you learn a poem by heart. repeat it several times until you remember
Make an association with another person with the same name. Then you’ll find it back quickly.
Ask your wife (I’m married), or friend, or the person with you when you meet someone to tell you the upcoming person’s name
When you talk to someone, repeat his/her name constantly, (“hello Bob, how are you Bob, tell me something Bob, please Bob”). After 50 sentences, you will definitely remember his/her name. Moreover, you’ll please the person, for he/she ‘ll think he/she’s important to you, as you tell his/her name frequently
Have a paper with you (or in your palm, on your computer, etc.), with everyone’s information. (ex: Bob is married with Jane, their kids are John and Betty, ask people their date of birth and write it in your palm pilot, (with names of wife, kids, etc.) and call them for their birthday
At last, Elliot, remember that being yourself is anything but a shame. So DO NOT BE ASHAMED not to remember anyone’s name. So SIMPLY TELL THEM “you know, I don’t remember people’s name usually, so can you please remind me yours, etc… (and write it directly in your palm pilot, with their birthdate, etc..)
Have fun!