Let's say that someone walks up to you and they call you by name, engage in a friendly conversation, and are so happy to see you, but all along you realize that you don't really remember them.
What do you do?
It is a tough question. This one is up there with, "Is global warming real?" Anyway, this happened to me recently. I was at 5 Guys (an amazing burger place) with my wife, when this guy that apparently really knows me came up to me. He was very warm and friendly, but I had no clue where he knew me from. He remembered my name and everything.
He seemed so happy to see me that I didn't want to crush his joy by asking, "where do we know each other from?"
His face looked familiar, but I had no clue where we met, or who he was. So what did I do? Well, I motioned my wife to come over so that I could introduce the two, and then hopefully he would say his name and my brain would light up like fireworks on July 4th.
Hands were shook, but no names.
After a very brief conversation, he left. Then my wife asked me, "Who was that honey?"
"I have no idea."
We laughed it off, but we came up with a signal to tell each other when we don't know a person's name. That way, one of us can always ask, "what is your name again?" It's a pretty subtle but effective gesture.
And no, I'm not telling you the signal. What if I don't remember your name?
summer update
10 years ago
I know the signal, I know the signal!!
ReplyDeletehaha, oh my that was so funny... you're a good actor though honey, because your face did not give you away!
Aww, yes you do mi amor! You know it! And thank you very much. Ironically enough, as you know, when I finished posting this, something similar happpened at Barnes & Noble! :)
ReplyDelete