Learn how to remember peoples' names

After doing all of the aforementioned, I text myself a little note of names and descriptions… these I keep around a bit to remind me to recall

Hank and Stacy (the is the last time I will forget you), Rob from James, and Paul’s friend Jason.

I still use the person’s name during conversation immediately following the introduction; I still attempt to use their name again when saying goodbye. I still have a growing list taped to the kitchen wall. And now I’ve gotten in the habit of texting myself the names of the people I meet. It reminds me to add them to the kitchen wall, and in the mean time serves as note to aid memorization.

The 29 year old bar keep at Morton’s in Boston… was very sweet, and a PSU graduate! Hillary’s parents, Karen and Scott. I said Scott’s name three times in the course of the conversation. Then later that night, I met Owen and Jess, Niamh’s brother and his Dutch girlfriend.

and waitress from James. Matt and Gina, the artists who live across the street.

...From Yellobar and Royal Tavern. Cute smile. Dov, Jim and Dylan’s friend. He sells real estate for Sotheby’s and he’s in a band. Ann, Lee’s wife and friend of Liz, mother of a baby boy to whom I wasn’t introduced… I’ll tag him next. Matt and Sybil, from the gym, friends of Molly and Ted. I was introduced to Nancy’s friend, the waitress, but (DAMN ME) I didn’t remember your name!

I like using their names in conversation following the introduction. I also go out of my way to say goodbye—calling them by name when I do and re-introduce myself if necessary. Doesn’t just help to remember, but it’s friendlier.

My inability to remember people’s names is at the heart of why I think I have a bad memory… and it’s the first step in not giving a rat’s ass about other people (which I really do!). So when I met Kristen, her husband Sean, and her children Landis and Bridget the other day, I decided my life had to change here. I repeated the names a few times in my head, and wrote them down when I got home. I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s suggestions for doing a better job. For now, I’m going to keep a cheat sheet in my kitchen where I can review names morning and night. Hopefully, I can remember your names long enough to get them into my kitchen.