How many times has this happened to you? You are walking down the street and you meet an old acquaintance. You recognize the face, but draw a complete blank when trying to remember his name. You stumble and feel very awkward—embarrassed. This is a common problem for people of all ages.

It never makes a person feel good when someone forgets his name. It makes him feel like you do not care or do not want to be bothered or that he is not important to you. Naturally, it is easier to remember a face than a name. That is due to the fact that a face is visual, while a name is verbal.

What is the solution? How do you remember another’s name? How do you keep from embarrassing yourself?

When you meet new people, write down their names. Also write a quick note about the person to jog your memory. If you did not catch a person’s name upon introduction, immediately ask again. Don’t wait until you need the name. If you are in a group, chances are that the name will come up again and you won’t have to ask.

Repeat the name a few times in conversation. Repetition is one of the best ways to commit something to memory. Say the name in your mind a few times and then use it a couple of times in conversation. On the other hand, do not overuse the name. Do not use it so much that you seem odd.

When you say the person’s name later in the conversation, it makes him feel better about you and himself.

If all else fails, and you are still unable to remember the person’s name, simply say, “Good to see you again,” or “How have you been lately?”

If someone is obviously struggling to remember your name, help him out. Never try to embarrass him by asking, “Don’t you remember me?” Re-introduce yourself—especially if much time has passed. Be empathetic. Also, do not make fun of or mock the person. Remember that we all occasionally experience “lapses” of memory.