I have ADHD diagnosed in my 30’s, and can’t seem to remember names even seconds after they are said. Sometimes I try so hard that I can’t follow the conversation because I’m focusing on repeating their name over and over so I don’t forget.
Inevitably I focus back on the conversation and the person’s name is lost.
Texting their name to me tends to work, but others tend to find this odd/annoying/off-putting if I halt an organic conversation to text myself their name. And can even find it quite disrespectful.
So, Title: Have any of you “cracked” how to remember names in active conversation?
No, but I find its helpful to tell the person honestly that youre bad at remembering, and to say it a few times.
Also i started a note file on my phone where i jot names soon as i can. Just started doing this in my new building.
I write their name and a quick descriptor. It has worked ok so far.
I do the notes thing and when I’m done talking to them I refer to my notes and think of their face, that solidifies it for me pretty good.
Nope.
I will simply never refer to that person by name ever again.
I’ve not cracked it in any way that’s helpful as it’s super situational. I find that when other people say a persons name, I have a better chance of remembering it. Like at the dog daycare I take my dog to, I’ve slowly learned the staff’s names from hearing other staff members talk about them or mention them in some way.
Nope. Not worth feeling bad about and no need to crack it. If you want to text yourself their name that’s your preference, and if they find it disrespectful enough to hold it against you, it’s a sign they’re not going to be very accommodating anyways.
“I’m so sorry, I’m bad at remembering names” is all I need. And it also has the added benefit of weeding out people who wouldn’t be very accommodating.
Best I can do is say their name back to them, it works some of the time, but I dont generally remember to do it.
