I have a mind like a steel trap- closed tightly and a little rusty.

I love my fellow workers comment. "I have a great memory, it just doesn't last very long"!)
I can remember but when put ont he spot is when mind goes blank.
purrmaid- lol- have done that too.
jocose- I think the problem is when you don't care who was teaching the class.

I find it somehow disheartening that I took a Dale Carnegie class, was an award winner, but for the life of me I cannot remember the instructor's name. None of the others who took the same class can remember it either.

I, too, attempt to associate a new person's name with somebody I know already. It often backfires, for instance, when I can't remember which of my four brothers shares the person's name.

After 50-plus years of forgetting names, I'm pretty sure it's "situation hopeless".

Thanks for letting me vent, Gary. Er ... George ... er ...

I was going to comment here but forgot what I wanted to comment about.

The quips are priceless. I just love you humorous people!

I too forget names as soon as I hear them so was in the habit of writing them down immediately when someone called me at work. One day I took a call for my boss and didn't write the caller's name down right away. At the end of the call I couldn't remember their name, but knew I needed to get it for the boss' message. Then I got the bright idea to find out their name by cleverly asking, "And how is your last name spelled?" There was dead silence....DEAD SILENCE....and then the gentleman slowly and distinctly spelled out, "J...O...N...E....S."

I like the article Steve,looking forward to more .

I'm good about other people's names, but there are times when I forget my children's names and call them: Older Boy, Middle Kid, and Blonde Girl.

I do find that, the more interesting a person is, the easier it is to remember the name (provided I haven't already forgotten it by the time I deem them interesting).

Everyone should be required to wear a name tag.

@ saxcat70- Funny story. I'm there.

Association is just one of many techniques to help you remember. I recommend reading "Your Memory: How it Works and How to Improve It" by Kenneth L. Higbee, Ph.D.

A couple had dinner at another couple's house, and, after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, "Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly." The other man said, "What's the name of the restaurant?" The first man thought and thought and finally said, "What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... The one that's red and has thorns." "Do you mean a rose?" "Yes, that's the one," replied the man. He then turned toward the kitchen and yelled, "Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?"

IndyColtFan: I, too, have heard of this tactic, but like you, I can forget the name that quickly as the conversation goes on.
Greg Peck

I don't even try. I just say I'm old & I forget.

I too have trouble in this area. A while back I heard of a method that is supposed to help. That is, before you leave the initial intro with the person, simply say something like: It was a pleasure to meet you John Doe. Supposedly if one repeats it soon after hearing the name, it will stay in your brain longer. However sometimes when it comes time to say goodbye, I have already forgotten it. :)