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?

  •  azureeight   ( @azureeight@beehaw.org ) English
    1•1 year ago

    Truthfully? It’s not a thing i think can be easily mastered for some people. Myself, i just try not to be embarrassed and just be honest i am bad with names from the beginning.

    “I’m so sorry, im so bad with names, i may have to ask you a few times!” And even in professional work i have luckily had no one be unreasonable about it.

    I understand that’s probably area specific, but i also learned my family made a bigger deal about it than really matters professionally, and that confidence, even when you have memory issues, seems to help smooth over things.

    It also took being homeless and being unable to focus because of that, it was learn to laugh it off and make it known to those around me i wasnt going to be shamed or anxious about my own mistakes. (Even if i am a lot behind my mask, i do my best not to show it).