No Offense, but What’s Your Name?
April 15, 2010
Filed under Opinion, Top Stories
By: Gabriela Palacios
It was about 7th grade when I first recognized that I am an expert at forgetting people’s names. I can’t count the number of times I’ve experienced that little heart attack that occurs when I realize that I’ve forgotten someone’s name. Particularly, someone who a) I should have remembered b) I have known for some time, and/or worst of all c) knows my name. It may be the baffled expression on my face or the way I might constantly refer to them as “hey” or “you” that gives me away, but somehow I always get caught and when it happens it’s usually bad. Soon after realizing my own special talent in memory lapses I began to develop newly found detective skills. To all of you scatterbrains out there, like me, here are a few tips on what to do if you are ever caught in that awkward situation.
Approach #1
Ask a mutual friend. Usually there is someone you may know that knows them. Remember, though, to be discreet about it. In other words, ask a discreet friend. In the event this person suffers from diarrhea mouth, there may be a chance that this nameless friend may hear from the mutual friend of your forgetfulness. Rumors are the worst way to hear of something like this, making this approach is risky if not operated well.
Approach #2
Try to get the person to say their own name. A few probing questions like “What’s your full name?” and “How do you spell your name?” just might be the perfect solution. Unfortunately you may come across that occasional Sam or Bob. A question like that will most likely only be answered with a face.
Approach #3
One other tactic is to listen for others who might say their name. Usually if you are among other friends there will be a time when someone else will call them or refer to them in a story. This may take a while and usually doesn’t work if no one else is around but, can be the easiest and most passive way of going about it.
There are a number of more strategies to figure out a person’s name with plenty necessary conditions and possible backfires. Yet, there is always one sure fire way of learning that ever elusive person’s name and that is by simply asking. Most likely they will understand. After all, everyone’s human and they have most likely had the same problem. The best thing you can do is to not be offended when someone asks you what your name is.
Loading ...