When you forget someone's name... (Christmas, meeting, wife, husband)

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by thinkalot

I went out with a woman for several months and did not know her last name. I asked her friend, the friend ratted me out, and I got yelled at.

I'd yell at you too, but I can't. It wasn't until our third date that I realized my husband's name was not what I thought it was.

[PeachSalsa]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

I usually just say, "Oh, I'm terrible with names, tell me your name again," and they tell me their name and then ask mine, because they've forgotten it too but have no good way to ask what it is

This is what I do!

[Scooby Snacks]

Originally Posted by Mattie

I'd yell at you too, but I can't. It wasn't until our third date that I realized my husband's name was not what I thought it was.

And he married you anyway?

[AK-Cathy]

Originally Posted by Mattie
I'd yell at you too, but I can't. It wasn't until our third date that I realized my husband's name was not what I thought it was.


There was a Seinfeld episode about that.

I'm also the worst with names. The very worst: I went to introduce my husband of many years to someone and my mind went completely blank. Gawd. We all had to laugh. I'm blaming age.

[glenmorangie]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

I usually just say, "Oh, I'm terrible with names, tell me your name again," and they tell me their name and then ask mine, because they've forgotten it too but have no good way to ask what it is

I also prefer being upfront and then make sure to write the name down so it doesn't happen again.

OP, don't feel bad! I was an RA in college and there are SO many names you have to learn at the beginning of every year. Your coworkers, your RA "family," the school's residence life support that you probably indirectly work with, building security, and then come all the residents. I got used to apologizing when I was forgetful and would just add to my reminder list.

[VIBЄ]

"How do you spell your name?"

[luv4horses]

I turn this all around, since I accept that most people do not remember names all that well. So, I make it a point to always say to folks I have not seen for a while, "Hi, I'm Myname. Do you remember me?" Those that play the game attentively would end up saying, "Of course! And I am Othername. It has been a while, hasn't it". Maybe it will catch on?

[shaylahc]

I'm used to it as I'm horrible at remembering names. The worst is when you are trying to introduce someone, but can't remember the other person's name.

Usually I will say, "Please forgive me, but I am terrible at remembering names. I am great at recognizing faces, but names always escape me. What is your name again? I'm so sorry." Most people are very gracious, and often follow it up with, "I'm horrible at remembering names, too!"

Sometimes I even tell people from the outset that I'll likely forget their name, but I always remember a face!

[GiGi603]

I get more mad at myself that I don't take an effort to hear and take interest in the person's name. I get introduced, and bingo I feel like I skip completely over their name and start thinking about something else.

[seeriously]

My husband called me by the wrong name several times the night we met. We've been married 43 years. He knows it now.