Do You Remember People for a Long Time?

How do you know they don't remember you?

Old friends are better left in the past.

I love you for long time.

R1 Mostly because it would have been something fleeting -- meet at a party, have coffee with a FOAF, that kind of thing. But it does raise the question of the nature of memory. You're right -- maybe I pop into their consciousness sometimes!

I am very much the same way OP. I 'm 63 and still remember grade school chums. My sister pointed out to me that my memories are a lot stronger than most people's, But there is no harm in reaching out just don't be disappointed at some reactions. When Facebook 1st came out there was a lot of this type of reconnecting but seems out of favor now.

I frequently am struck by WHET (a registered DL Trademark) for random people I've met over the years.

Nothing demented, sexual, or bizarre - just sheer curiosity about someone I might have once known in passing or spent a lot of time due to work, school, or various hobbies.

People are out of your life for a reason. Best leave it that way. That said, I was shocked at the number of people from elementary/middle school who hit me up on FB. This is from 38 years ago in some instances. I remember them - some were bullies and I don't want to be their fucking FB friend all these years later!

Along with those who made an impact on my life, I still remember passing acquaintances and people I only spoke with once or twice.

I remember their faces. That's a good thing. The problem is that I often can't recall their names. Is that common for people who aren't even 40?

It doesn’t surprise me that I remember random names and places from years ago. For some reason, at the time, they made an impression on me. Especially people you met while young and just starting out...you want to know how their story ended up.

What IS truly jarring is indulging in a little WHET research, typing their name in Google and having it completed by “....obituary.” UG!

I have a good memory and I am observant. I will notice if someone has trimmed their hair, wearing something new, etc. I am positive that I remember people more than they remember me (with a few exceptions).

I have had people contact me out of nowhere, asking how I am. Usually, they'll tell me they are married and had ___ amount of children. That always seemed to be the extent of the conversation. I pretty much don't respond any more to people from my past.