Remembering names....

[Fuzz]

I'm pretty bad remembering people's names, and one time this worked out in my favor. I was able to use it as an effective neg, like: you make such a small impact on me, I can't even remember your name. Because I had read so much advice about not asking for names right off the bat, and not worrying about learning people's names I got comfortable and decided it's okay to forget. But lately I've been starting to have a change of heart about this because remembering names is valuble when I introduce people from one set to people from another.

What are your opinions on this?

[Vector]

I am probably average at remembering names, which is not very good. I use my "weakness" as a routine somtimes:

Vector: Okay, um, Jennifer, I'm going to have to warn you, I am really bad at remembering names. Actually I have a mnemonic thing I use to remember names sometimes, but most of the time I forget to use the mnemonic haha.. See, the way the human brain is built, it's not built to remember names. It's designed to remember sights, sounds, touches [gentle non-intrusive touch] smells, tastes, that sort of thing. So what I'll do, is I'll think of a famous Jennifer, like say, Jennifer Lopez, no offense, and I'll imagine, I'll visualize that the two of you are friends. See, now I'm visualizing you and Jennifer Lopez are hugging.. you're long lost friends. And now when I see you I'll think, oh, you're the one who is friends with Jennifer Lopez, and that's how I'll remember your name is Jennifer.

Or if it's an unusual name:

Vector: ... So, ordinarily, I would think of a famous Ursula, and I would use that as a mental cue, but right now none are coming to mind... hmm.. so I am probably going to ask your name three or four times before I remember it. Sorry, I'm just warning you..

[Rhody]

I think it's fine to first say your name and then ask for theirs. If you're acting like a gracious host walkig around introducing yourself to everyone, then you're giving value, not seeking it. Do a game like Vector said to remember their names, but don't worry too much about it. One way to remember her name is to number close her and get her to fill out a new contact and watch her enter her name.

Also, try to use her name liberally. Like instead of saying, "you're the good one and you're the bad one," you can say, "I think Jennifer is the good one and Ursula is the bad one."

After a while, check to see if she remembers your name and bust her for it if she forgets.

[Atlas]

Even if you have an idea what her name is...like if you know it starts with a J, guess the farthest away name possible. Be like, Hey Ashley, I mean Lauren. Kara? lol its a good DHV tactic and if you do it with a smile and with a little bit of sarcasm, she'll probably assume you were joking and knew the whole time. She'll probably flirtedly slap your arm and not even remember that you didn't even "remember" her name. But if you intend on gaming this girl, pay attention to people that address her or if her name is on something like a check book, etc. Just so you can save yourself some embarassement if it resurfaces lol.