I went to pick up Chinese at the local Chinese place, and as I was paying, the cashier lady asked me if I was working at the front desk for the dorm again this summer. I was astonished. I do get food from the place somewhat often, a couple of times every few weeks I guess, so I guess I would be considered a regular, but I had no idea she knew I worked at the dorm. It was kind of nice to think that she remembered me so well. I can't say whether I would be able to do the same if our roles were reversed.
I'm also a regular at a nearby car repair place, run by an old man. I don't know that we've had a conversation yet that wasn't about the weather, but he always seems to be pleased that I make an effort. He confessed to me once that few people even bother rolling down the window when they come through, then shook his head and frowned at the middle distance. It made me feel inordinately proud of myself, making awkward stabs at friendliness.
Being a regular is both nice and strange. It shouldn't surprise me, I guess, that frequent exposure to another person creates familiarization and friendship, but somehow I'm always pleasantly surprised when someone remembers me. It makes me want to try harder to remember people's names and faces instead of spending so much time daydreaming about nonsense like I usually do.
We need daydreamers about nonsense, too!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, people do surprise me sometimes. They always think I'm more memorable than I am.
If you want to remember them, make a joke or song or something that reminds you of them. It's fun AND it works. I feel like a used car salesman right now. The shame!!!!