Years ago I bumped into a colleague at a network meeting, and although I knew her very well and we had worked together before, I could not remember her name. I felt myself getting flustered as we chatted and really starting to feel quite panicky. Why would the name not come to me? In the end I apologised and asked her to remind me of her name, but with a twinkle in her eye she said no, I had to guess! It was very funny at the time and lovely of her to react with humour, but the truth is I often forget words and it can be extremely embarrassing.
Many times I have forgotten names and sometimes this has happened in front of other people. Being in a situation where I have to introduce someone is a nightmare, especially if it’s unexpected. I have twice forgotten the name of a colleague in front of a live audience. Mortifying.
I also forget the names of common objects, usually half way through the sentence. When that happens I have to describe the thing to get myself over it. So when I forgot the word ‘hailstones’ I had to use ‘small icy balls’ instead. Or if the ‘hard shoulder’ has gone then I’ll say the ‘emergency lane that no one drives in…’ It’s hard work, like a constant game of Pictionary or Taboo.
I’ve always struggled with left and right, and I think it’s about names again. The word ‘left’ is not associated with any particular direction in my brain, and neither is ‘right.’ So I’m guessing every time. This has led to stressful times when driving, following directions and instructions, and describing anything visual. I’m better now that I can identify at least ‘left’ by using the shape of an ‘L’ on my hand, but it’s not instinctive and ‘right’ will always be ‘not left.’
It takes a lot of confidence to admit you’ve forgotten familiar words, or the name of someone who you know quite well. But the words and names do come back, usually quite quickly. I guess this is one thing we just have to live with… and be able to admit to when we forget. Hopefully our friends and acquaintances will react with grace and humour.
