How to Remember a Name...Guaranteed.

Just when you thought you were safe at the annual family reunion: "HI!"

Oh no! What is her name? Beth? No, Judy! No...Julie! No...oh, and she doesn't have a nametag on either! What to do??

Have you ever been through this situation? Of course you have! It happens to the best of us...

Except me, of course. That is, up until recently, when I discovered a fool-proof way to always remember someone's name. And it's as simple as A-B-C.

Step 1: Assocation

Think of something about that person that makes them stick out from the rest; and don't say "nothing", because even chronic boringness is a trait!

It could also help to remember someone/something they are related to that you will never forget the name of (i.e. aunt, uncle, cousin, neighborhood, children, occupation, boss, company, etc.)

Step 2: Bridge Build

You always seem to remember the name of an author, TV show, movie star, or book that you like, right? Well, that's probably because you develop an interest or stock in it, so you file it away somewhere in your brain. Well, the same goes for remembering names. Find something in common with the person whose name you're struggling with and apply it to their face (this goes hand in hand with association). Also, it's very unlikely that you will forget someone's name that you like or have something in common with; that is, unless you can't remember anything whatsoever, which, in that case, you're on your own.

Step 3: Correlate

When you see a white, plump snowman with a "corncob pipe", who do you think? Or when you hear "Somewhere over the Rainbow", what/who do you think? (The answers are Frosty the Snowman and "The Wizard of Oz"/Judy Garland for those who haven't yet graduated from this program). It is very, very helpful to correlate a voice or characteristic with a person.

An example is my Uncle Leroy. He has the most scraggly white beard and the most high-pitched voice, so I recognize him immediately. Even my Aunt Ramona, who puts even sunflowers to sleep, is remembered because of her one beauty mark on her left cheek and her voice that sounds like a mixture of a librarian and Maria von Trapp. Who can you associate with certain characteristics?

And that's all there is to it! Three easy steps to being the only one at family reunions, Christmas parties, parent-teacher conferences, or even fifth period English class that knows everyone's (and I do mean everyone's) names.