Oops, forgot their name? Here’s a smooth way to ask again

Is there anything more awkward than forgetting the name of someone you know? We’ve all been there, often leading to embarrassment and a pang of guilt. This can happen with new acquaintances or even with people we encounter regularly, making it challenging to smoothly retrieve their name without seeming rude or forgetful.

Do you ask a friend for a quick reminder? Hope the name casually comes up in conversation? Or do you bite the bullet and ask directly? None of these options are perfect, but there’s a clever trick that can help you navigate this situation with minimal discomfort for both parties.

Here’s what you can do:

Approach the person and ask, “Sorry, what’s your name again?”

They might feel a bit surprised or disappointed when they give you their first name, but then you quickly add, “No, I meant your last name.”

This simple strategy not only helps you get their full name but also allows you to save face and minimise any potential embarrassment or hurt feelings.

Have you found yourself in a situation where you’ve forgotten someone’s name?