‘You don’t remember me, do you?’Many people who are now in their senior years commonly talk about poor memory or memory loss. It feels as if giving it a name explains the problem and if we label it, the behavior and outcome become excusable – except when people don’t recognize or remember us. What I find unusual is how a number of people assume that people, particularly seniors like me, will automatically recognize them, greet them and are shocked when people simply admit: “No, I don’t recognize you” or “No, I don’t remember you” or “Sorry I can’t remember your name and circumstance.”Just like in today’s column title, people ask in an almost accusatory tone if you remember them or why you don’t recognize them. Now I simply say “Sorry, but I don’t remember or recognize you.” People forget factors that affect memory such as timeline, depth or frequency of engagement and aging. What we don’t think much of is the fact that the people we remember or never forget are the people of impact, significance and who made a difference.

Source: Philippine Star February 20, 2026 04:01 UTC