Wishing I remembered her...

from JoeUser Forums
As I am waiting to purchase the newspaper at a convenience store yesterday, a woman standing in line in front of me turns to me and smiles. Out of politeness, I smile back. When she keeps smiling at me, I wonder what the heck is going on.

"Oh my god," She says, "I can't belieive it's you..."

I stand there motionless, with a goofy grin pasted to my face, not saying a word.

"You remember me?" This black haired stranger with big sunglasses asks me.

"Uhh..." I mutter as I continue smiling.

"I'm Maria, remember? From school?" She continues.

"Ummm..." I have no idea who this woman is!

I am quickly trying to decide whether I should lie to her and say I do know her or just be honest with her. Before I can decide, she suddenly whips her glasses off. Something about the way her almond shaped eyes crinkle when she smiles makes me remember her...but only vaguely.

"Oh yes!" I stammer.

"Yes, you remember! I am glad you did. It's been so long!" Maria says excitedly and actually reaches out and hugs me.

I am so taken aback, but I immediately return her hug.

I am doubting that she knows me...but then she goes on to mention every single school that we attended together (grade school, junior high, and high school!). She even tells me how she's heard through the grapevine where I work. So, okay, she definitely knows me...but how come I don't remember her so well?

"You are looking beautiful as always!" Maria comments. This is weird to me, since I was so chubby and awkward most of my school days. Plus, that certain day, I felt so haggard and worn out after a long work day.

"You still look the same. I would recognize you anywhere." Maria continues. I am not kidding you...EVERY person I run into tells me this...that I look the same. I never quite know how to take that...lol.

"How are you?" She asks with such inquisitive eyes.

"I am doing pretty good," I answer a bit awkwardly. "How about you? How are you doing?"

"Very well, thanks to God. " She smiles as she answers.

It's Maria's turn to pay, and I am not really knowing what to say next, so she says, "Well, Rose...Rose, right? It was so nice seeing you."

"So nice seeing you, too." I smile back.

She leaves...and while I smile at connecting again with an old school chum, I am very disappointed at myself for not remembering her very well...because if I did, I probably would have had a much better conversation with her.

Sigh.

I will definitely be scavenging for my old high school yearbook this weekend...to see if it will ignite some sort of memory about Maria.

She was so nice...I at least owe her that.
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Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
See, I play the "Oh my! I can't believe it's you!" game to complete strangers. It's funny how often people are like, "Oh yeah! How are you? It's so great to see you again!" But, since she could list schools, she's probably not playing. Or she's a stalker.

Now you know the real reason for having yearbooks. It isn't to help you remember the good times, it's to help you figure out who that person was in the check-out line who remembers you but you can't remember them.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
That was a good read! Interesting! I loved the dialogue between you and the...stranger?

(and the whole experience would be kinda weird too. Even a little spooky!)
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think we have all had those "deer in the headlights" moments with strangers.  It is strange who we do remember and dont.  I had one recently, but then as soon as she laughed (she had a weird laugh), I connected her (although I still cant remember her name).
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
See, I play the "Oh my! I can't believe it's you!" game to complete strangers. It's funny how often people are like, "Oh yeah! How are you? It's so great to see you again!"


You should do that and ask for that $50 they owe you...see how much money you could make.

~Zoo
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
SHE
Now you know the real reason for having yearbooks. It isn't to help you remember the good times, it's to help you figure out who that person was in the check-out line who remembers you but you can't remember them.


True! I am glad I ended up buying mine.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Shovel

That was a good read! Interesting! I loved the dialogue between you and the...stranger?(and the whole experience would be kinda weird too. Even a little spooky!)


Yes, it was very awkward...although I do appreciate her being very kind towards me.

As for the dialogue...you will usually hear stammering and stuttering in most of my conversations with people...maybe I'll input my next big conversation in here just to prove my point...lol (Or you can just ask Chris...he'll vouch for it).
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Doc

I had one recently, but then as soon as she laughed (she had a weird laugh), I connected her (although I still cant remember her name).


As I said, it was the something in the eyes that allowed me to remember her...wish it would have allowed me to remember alot more, though.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
See, I play the "Oh my! I can't believe it's you!" game to complete strangers. It's funny how often people are like, "Oh yeah! How are you? It's so great to see you again!" You should do that and ask for that $50 they owe you...see how much money you could make.



:: Hmmm...I should remember that one for next time.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
See, I play the "Oh my! I can't believe it's you!" game to complete strangers. It's funny how often people are like, "Oh yeah! How are you? It's so great to see you again!" You should do that and ask for that $50 they owe you...see how much money you could make.


Good idea! I may try for a $20 to start... just to test the waters.
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
(Or you can just ask Chris...he'll vouch for it).


Okay, I have a question I've been meaning to ask for a while now as the connection has been slowly gelling in my mind...Chris? Is he Udigit?   
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
Okay, I have a question I've been meaning to ask for a while now as the connection has been slowly gelling in my mind...Chris? Is he Udigit?


Yes, he is.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yes, he is.


Aha! I knew it! the connection has been made...

(and this was the perfect article to ask on, to BTW. You know...being confused and hazy and all   )
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yes, this happens to me too. Being a "people pleaser" type, I get pretty concerned about potentially hurting their feelings about not being memorable. I usually duck for cover by saying I remember them vaguely, then by quickly shifting the conversation to mutual acquaintences and what they're up to now. (I'm so ashamed )
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top



(and this was the perfect article to ask on, to BTW. You know...being confused and hazy and all )


LoL. I know hazy and confused too well.
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
Dr.D

I usually duck for cover by saying I remember them vaguely, then by quickly shifting the conversation to mutual acquaintences and what they're up to now. (I'm so ashamed )


See, I wasn't even clever enough to do that.