In social interactions, remembering names can be difficult because people become distracted by various thoughts and observations. Etiquette expert Thomas Farley highlights the common scenario where we meet someone and struggle to recall their name later. Instead of feeling awkward, he suggests openly asking for a name repetition or providing context from a previous encounter, which can ease the situation. Avoiding a blank stare is crucial, as it may imply a lack of interest in the other person, making memory lapses more uncomfortable for both parties.
Have you ever been in a scenario where you kindly asked someone to repeat their name, and the response you got back was no, they already said it once?
I know we met at the such-and-such conference—I'm just blanking on your name at the moment.
...when you just blank stare at someone and have zero recollection, that's telling them, You were so unmemorable, I don't even remember your face.
People tend to feel very awkward asking someone to repeat their name if they didn't properly hear it the first time around.
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