I’m used to calling my husband “dad” when referring to him when I’m talking to the kids (“Dad and I think …”) and of course, by his first name when I’m talking just to him.
I’m currently with my own father, who I call Dad, and something in my brain is short circuiting, because I must have called him my husband’s first name at least five times so far. I start to say Dad and then my brain switches to my husband’s first name versus remembering that this IS the guy I call Dad!
Like others. I too have called my younger sister by my daughter’s name and vice versa. OP, I think you have nothing to worry or be embarrassed about at all.
I’m sure she didn’t give it another throught…as she does the same thing!
I’m actually great with remembering names, I’m bad at remembering faces. Many times someone I don’t recognize speaks to me and I can’t place that person. However, If you gave me a list of names of folks I have met I would remember the names and something about them.
Strange, I know.
@Fallgirl, that’s not strange at all. I’m the same way. I can remember class lists from elementary school. I never forget a name. But…if I meet you a second time…and you’re not in the same location, wearing the same outfit, with the same haircut…I might not recognize you. However, I’ll still remember your name and a few facts about you. Sometimes I have trouble following movies for this reason.
I am horrible about remembering peoples names when I meet them in person. However I only have to talk to a person once on the phone to recognize their voice and remember their name the next time they call. I would much rather be able to remember the faces with the names…
Also terrible with names. When I meet someone new, I forget his/her name immediately. I usually avoid addressing people by name for this reason. My H thinks he knows everyone’s names, but goes around calling everyone by the wrong name (often he’ll get the first sound/initial right). Doesn’t stop him from doing it over and over. He doesn’t get embarrassed easily.
A minute ago, I was emailing someone, and I had to go downstairs to ask my kids what my cell phone number is–and it didn’t sound right to me.
I used to have another number that had similar last 4 digits–imagine switching from “5889” to “5998.” Crap. I just realized that my number is 5998. I think I’ve been telling people it is “5889.” For years. No wonder nobody ever calls me. . .
I’m bad at remembering faces.>>>>>>>
This is a real “condition”, can’t remember the name. I’ve had the extreme discomfort of meeting the same person over and over and over again and they don’t remember me! Made me feel terrible until I finally found out that information, that it’s an actual affliction. I am much more lenient with it now.
mathmom, happens with identical twins all the time. My girls run into classmates from each other’s schools, and get mistaken frequently. Totally understandable.
I have been known to have many of these sorts of problems. A rather reassuring thread, this…
If this is enough to embarrass you then you are living a far too risk aversive life. Get one! a life that is filled with more adventure and take more risks. Goodness if this embarrasses you the what do you do that doesn’t?