DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been notoriously horrible with names my whole life. I have found ways to help me remember names, like slideshows. After a Weight Watchers meeting, I will record the people I meet and go over it once or twice in the week so I can greet people accordingly the next time I see them. I never thought of this as an invasive practice until my co-worker caught me "studying" on my computer. I explained that remembering names is hard for me, so I record the interaction so I can recall the name and person who I was speaking to. She called this "creepy."
I've never thought of my process as something that would make someone uncomfortable; I just found a way to fix a problem about myself. Should I stop with the slideshows? I don't want any rumors going around about me at work. -- Not Creepy, Just Forgetful, Shreveport, Louisiana
DEAR NOT CREEPY, JUST FORGETFUL: You do not have to change your strategy for memory. You may just need to be more discreet in the future. Know that your solution is commonly used for dignitaries and notables when they are attending events. Their staffs prepare sheets with photos, names and titles of key people they may meet so that the images are fresh in the dignitary's mind. Similarly, publicists use the strategy to be able to identify guests as they are arriving at an event. The point is that you are not alone. Keep your method. It works.
Sounds like they are a bit insecure if they need to hear their names. Or do they feel it places them above the speaker, kind of like Mr. President, etc.? Don't know, but just do not see the big deal here....
