Why can't I remember simple things?

Question

For example, Names. I met a few people last night while I was out, but even though they told me their names, I can't remember what they were.

I find this minutes after meeting people. Their name goes in one ear and out the other. I feel embarrassed to ask again, since I obviously wasn't listening in the first place.

It doesn't help that I was 'one' and they were 'many'. They only had to remember my name, I had to try and remember 5....

Answer 1

the best method of learning a foreign language is picture association, i will give you an example. you should take this seriously and it will work.english to spanish, in your minds eye picture a cow vacuuming a field.in spanish cow is vacca. now imagine a cat eating a great piece of gateaux. cat in spanish is gatto.do this a few times and you will have commited to memory two spanish words that should stay with you forever. so what you will have to do is associate the names of the people with a picture you want to memorise,a guy with red hair is fred.imagine a girl who is groaning , oh ya that will be joan just use your imagination, and soon you'll be able to say by golly i"ve got it. iwill picture a guy walking over a hill and think the guy whose gone must be john.

Answer 2

There are a couple of technics you can use to deal with this problem.
When you are introduced to them look at their face and repeat their name for example "john, nice to meet you john." and if you can managed it when you part company and move on to the next person say "goodbye john" Making sure you look at them when you do it so you associate that face with that name.

If that isn't practical, ie if there is a big group, just say as you are introduced, "hi everybody, I'm terrible with names so I won't remember them, please don't be offended if I ask you again.....several times"

You'd be surprised how many people have exactly the same problem, most of them probably forgot yours within 10 seconds as well.

Answer 3

I think that it is terribly difficult to remember many names on first meeting.
It makes sense, though, the brain can only handle retaining a certain amount of individual information. Each person is individual, and presents one name, not related to others.
One thing that may help is to associate each name with another word or more...Examples
Andy, think: Andy Pandy Candy
Jane: Jane, Jane, loves rain.
And associate the phrase with their face or clothing... See Jane's face in the rain, Andy holding a box of sweets.
I hope this helps a bit!
--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 4

I think that we have become more and more dependent on storing information in our computers, cell phones, palm pilots, etc. I make it a point to memorize telephone numbers, meetings, and prefer writing a reminder on a sticky note. It is scary to find yourself drawing a blank each time we want to remember something that was very recent all because we depend on electronics. If this is something that you find yourself doing, then try weening yourself from this..you will see a change in how much you can remember when you set your mind to it. Good luck

Answer 5

Many many reasons. I am the same although I have depression which is a likely cause. I also find if you dont use your brain much eg: doing a really simple job which does not stretch you this can happen. Give your brain some exercise, read an encyclopedia!!

Answer 6

Most of us are in the same boat. Its hard to remember people's names - especially when there is a group.

When you are introduced, repeat their name and comment on something about them.....for example....."Mary this is John, John, Mary" you: Hello John, I like the color of your shirt. and onward. Sometimes you need to do it to yourself. like Hello John (to self; ugly haircut) Shortly after the introductions, when you speak to the person, use their name. If you have forgotten it, apologize and ask again. There is no shame in it at all.

The little things will help you to remember. Repetition works.

Answer 7

Thats not unusual, and it happens to lots of people. I usually apologise and say I have trouble remembering peoples names and ask what it is because I'm more embarassed to get it wrong - most people understand that and don't think its rude. If they do and get offended then I assume they demand a standard of perfection I can't give and don't worry about it!

Answer 8

of direction the mystical activities of toddlers have been there. yet as we circulate into different stages of existence - toddlers, person and elderly - there are the two magical moments too and generally, the latter forgets the former! Why no longer, however! those whose recent is barren, hang to toddlers glories and why no longer. Cherish that which lifted up, does no longer rely while and what. hiking alongside the woodland with drizzles of rain, chirping of birds, mellowed sound of rivulet flowing, comfortable touch of leaves below the ft - are the remembered toddlers delights as I answer you top now. My pupil unfolding the glee of information in front me in my college room is one such of my person memory for this 2d!

Answer 9

this is a common problem. takes me ages to remember somones name, really embarrassing, they remember mine as well. how i get round this, is either to write their name down on a bit of paper or try to associate their name with something interesting.

Answer 10

You could try and repeat there name in your head when you ask. Or try and relate it to something, what they look like, a story to tell yourself so you can remember.