A while back, I was at a wedding of a college pal of mine and, at the reception, I got seated with a group of folks who were all from our alma mater. It'd been about 10 years since I'd seen any of them.
I recognized all of my schoolmates but one. I assumed this woman was the date of someone else at the table. Um, not so much.
It went something like this:
Me, graciously trying to make the outsider feel at ease: Hi, I'm L.A.
Her: I know!
Me *You know?* : Um...
Her: You don't remember me??
Me *Crap*: Uh...
Her, voice rising: L.A., we were in the same year at [alma mater].
Me *Crap!*: Er...
Her, incredulously: We were in several classes together!
The whole table has stopped chatting and is now looking at the two of us.
Me *Crap! Crap! Crap!*: I...
Her: I SAT RIGHT NEXT TO YOU IN [class name]!
She then tells me her FIRST and LAST name in a pretty ticked off voice and...
People... I'm telling you...
I got nothing. NOTHING. Her name is meaningless. I can not, for the life of me, place this chick.
And, now, it's abundantly clear that she thinks she knows me pretty dang well.*
Me: Oh, right! Sure! It's been a while now. Forgive me. You've changed a little. I guess we all have.
Her: Everybody else says I look exactly the same! [Tablemate] was just saying how I look exactly the same!
Me: I have a tumor.
Because what the heck else can you say at this point?**
And all this before they'd poured the wine.
* Okay, so we were in a few classes together. I took a friggin' lot of classes. BORING classes. I was half-asleep through most of them. It's not like we did crimes together. Now, those people I remember. Fondly.
** No, of course I didn't say that. I wish I had. Maybe I could have garnered a little sympathy.
29 October 2008
"I'm sorry I'm bad, I'm sorry you're blue, I'm sorry 'bout all the things I said to you..." --Buckcherry
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18 comments:
Eh. Not your fault she was as interesting and memorable as paint drying. She needs to get on top of her game if she wants folks remembering her and whatnot.
Wait--were you a cheerleader?
It could be worse...I didn't recognize the old geezer who was shaving across from me this morning.
I remember exactly one guy from college classes: Dave, because he was memorable (football player, almost seven feet tall) and we had at least one class together every semester for three years.
She wasn't a super tall football player, right? Anything memorable other than conceit?
Sounds like a great night. :-s
So, the first bit is all awkward and stuff, and sure it's a shame you don't remember her, but she was way out of line driving it into the ground -- talk about impolite.
I think when she said, " [Tablemate] was just saying how I look exactly the same!", you were allowed to respond, "Hon, they were lying to you."
I think she should feel embarrassed for remembering ANYTHING from college. I see pictures of myself from that era and wonder who that good looking guy is all the time.
I recently ran into a guy I WENT TO THE PROM WITH at a party and I went over and said "hey Bob! How are you?" and he said "do I know you?" and I said "um... yeah. We went to the prom?"
"I'm sorry. I don't remember you."
Tell me I didn't want to kill myself.
Argh. I am the QUEEN of "Open Mouth Insert Foot" moments, but this one's pretty damn good. Although, it sounds like she needed to be brought down a peg or two. Um, hi, everyone always says you look exactly the same... to your face... get with the program, lady.
I guess she just failed to mention that she used to be a man.
The important thing is that YOU made a lasting impression on her...wonder why? :-)
I believe in your repression. It's a powerful weapon. And since you unleashed it at an alma mater table, you clearly know how to wield it wisely.
"Her: You don't remember me??"
(short version of conversation) At a high school reunion I had a girl and her friend come up to me. "HI MIKE! Hows it going?" I can't see her name tag. She notices I'm looking for it. "OMYGOD YOU DON"T REMEMBER ME!" She and her friend stomp off. I never did find out who it was.
You also think you have a tumor?
Good to know I'm not alone.
I can barely remeber my own name. I have to remember other people's too?
that seems silly.
I was drunk all through college. I can't even reembmer where I went to college.
Here's the thing. This means you were immeasurably memorable! She remembers YOU! I always tell people I've been in a horrible car accident (not entirely a lie) and have amnesia (I think I was so self-absorbed my whole life, I don't remember a thing) then I don't feel so bad.
Ten years is enough time where you can completely forget someone and not feel bad about it.
I'll occasionally pass a coworker who will say hi to me as if they know me, and I'll have no idea who they are. That worries me.
SingLikeSassy: Yeah! On the other hand, she made sure I'd never forget her again.
Herb of DC: You were Math Club, right?
Bilbo: :)
Kristin: No, she wasn't and no, nothing.
AbbotofUnreason & Livitluvit: Wish I'd have thought of that!
Narm & Lbluca77: Yeah, she was way too sober.
Kristin: Ouch!
Gilahi: Now, that would have been memorable.
Fiona: It's a blessing and a curse. :)
Franco.Beans: Huh! Hadn't considered that I'd repressed her. Wonder what I'm running from.
Mike: Good riddance.
Arjewtino: My tumor is bigger than your tumor.
Rs27: And just plain wrong.
Kate: Good point! :)
Scotus: They're just messing with your head. Or are they? *insert maniacal laugh*
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