That
awkward moment when you’re in a social environment like work, a party, or
even at school and the perfect stranger approaches you. They say, “Hey Leah,
how are you going? I haven’t seen you in ages!”
My
response “Yeah, I’m doing great ... and yourself?” Conversation ensues, all the
while you are trying to wrack your brain remembering who the hell they are. Time
runs out before you can remember and the person politely ends the conversation,
as there is somewhere else they are needed to be. “Well Leah, it was great
seeing you! We should catch up sometime. I still have your number, so I’ll see you
soon!” I smile, give them a friendly wink, point and nudge in acknowledgement … then turn to a
friend as they walk away and ask “Who the hell was that?”
Unfortunately
this is a common occurrence for me. When I'm in a social setting I’m pretty outgoing,
extroverted and love striking up conversation with strangers. I introduce
myself, share a laugh with them then politely move on to the next person. I am
not what you’d call a wallflower. I struggle keeping a low profile in any
environment, as I like making my presence known, having a laugh, getting to know
people and constantly break out in dance.
I don't
think I have a forgetful memory like Dory the fish and generally pride myself
that I remember most people’s names I interact with. Or at the very least, remember previous conversations, so building rapport or newfound friendship
comes easy to me. Hence when I do forget someone’s name, I feel guilty about
it.
So I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite ways of avoiding
these awkward situations:
#1: Turn it
into a game
When I immediately
know I’ve forgotten the person’s name I am interacting with (and they so clearly
remember mine since they drop it like it’s hot), I
usually apologise then strike up a game with them.
The Game
If I get
their name right, I win. If I get their name wrong, they have every right to
call me by a name that isn’t my own, so I can forever live down the shame of not
remembering theirs.
I have
only ever lost this game once and to a small group of friends at work, I am known
as ‘Michelle’. Although it is a funny, yet sad reminder that I’m not great at
remembering people’s names, I do work with 150+ people. So 2 out of 150+ isn’t
bad.
#2: Bring a
friend into the conversation
“Hey,
have you met my friend Belinda? Belinda, this is …(gesture her toward the
people who’s names you’ve forgotten)”. Without fail those people will politely
introduce themselves to ‘Belinda’, unless of course they've picked up on your
clever scheme and gesture to you to say their names.
#3: Admit
your imperfections and that you don’t remember their name
Honesty
is the best policy. If you have forgotten their name and don't have the luxury
of asking someone nearby what their name is, fess up! Yes it's impolite to say,
“I am so sorry, but I have forgotten your name”, especially
when they so clearly remember yours, but it's how you handle it that is
most important. So try to be as polite as you can, or revert back to suggestion
#1. They should appreciate your honesty, or get over the fact you have
forgotten their name.
At the
end of the day we are all human. We cannot all be perfect by remembering the
name of every single person we interact with, but we can try. Or we can simply be apologetic and make an entertaining game out of it.
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If you have any suggestions on avoiding awkward situations like these, I'd love to read them in the comment space below!
#BeyoncéWouldBeProud x
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