Why do we remember some things but not others?

Question

Today I was driving and a memory just popped in my out of nowhere- sitting on the porch eating a bag of ruffles cheddar and sour cream potato chips with my aunt when I was about 6 yrs old. Nothing substantial happened that day so why do I remember that particular day? I know that we cannot remember everything that we have experienced in our lives but why do we remember some things and not others?? Some things that I remember are just trivial, day to day things and some things I can't remember, like going tothe state fair as a child (I know I went because we have pictures but I can't remember it).

Answer 1

As one person said, there are some who believe that we actually don't forget anything, and how we do is another story; overall, however, forgetting may actually be a retrieval problem, not that the memory is lost.
There are several different ways that memories become consolidated and transferred to long-term memory. One is that it is associated with an odor. Believe or not, the part of the brain that discriminates odors is closely linked to the ability to remember. This function is found in dogs in a very powerful way, but is no longer as powerful in us, but is still functioning.
The second way is that memories that are associated with strong emotions are often consolidated quickly.
The third way is by using memory techniques, such as repetition and association by loci. These techniques are used mostly when people study. Moreover, loss of memory as we get older is to some degree associated with loss of these abilities because we stop using them after school; those who do use them after they leave school suffer less loss of memory and can actually improve their memory.

Answer 2

Thats a totally good question, I'm EXACTLY the same way.. I remember the weirdest things from my childhood but not things you'd think I'd remember..

I read this article once that read that your brain actually doesn't ever "forget" anything.. It just stores information you're not using away, a lot like a computer.. Thats why smelling a smell or hearing a sound can bring back a childhood memory sometimes. It was never actually gone, it was just "stored" .

And thats also probably why hypnotists can bring back repressed childhood memories in people years later.. All that information is still up there, its just that nothing has "triggered" it to come out.

Answer 3

I think we have memories of things that made us happy or feel at peace. We also sometimes remember things that hurt us. For some reason things pop in and out of our minds at different times but something going on triggers those memories. Enjoy the good ones and avoid the negative ones.

Answer 4

Good question! I have random memories like this, too. Maybe something worth remembering DID happen that day, and that is the part you don't remember? Haha. I have no idea.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

very interesting question. i wonder the same. i think because your aunt was special to you and you remember her most because you had a great relationship. i remember some of my bros freinds, as i have great photographic memory, but as too some things i guess not as good.

Answer 7

Everything we see touch taste feel is lodged in to our brains. we can pull up anything if we know how. sometimes triggers send a message subconsciously to that cell and bling the file is opened and recognized. AIN'T IT COOL

Answer 8

Some things make bigger impacts on you than others, therefore you remember them better and longer. I heard that if you yell something than you'll remember it better.