The one thing I fear about camp is what most others are looking for: meeting again their 200+ pals from last year. The reason: I'm not going to recognize most of them. Or if I do (vaguely), there's no chance I'll remember their name. I'm really bad in that kind of stuff. I've therefore published the following apology in the camp newsletter. I received a lot of positive feedback (obviously, I didn't recognize any of the senders.)
You approach me with a big smile. "Hi David", how are you? You get a weird stare in response. "Don't remember me? After all the time we spent together? The hike in the woods? Sailing together? Not to mention that quality time in the hot tub?"
No, I don't. I've self-diagnosed myself with Prosopagnosia: I'm really really bad in recognizing faces. I've worked at the same place for 13 years, and there are people who I see all the time and still can't recall who they are. Most chances are it will be worse in camp, with 200 people I see once a year. I promise to study the 2009 pics, but knowing myself, I'm going to f**k up sooner or later.
BTW, the condition does have its advantages. I recently biked across the Charles river, when I noticed a tall handsome blond guy jogging towards me. While I was wondering who this cutie is, he approached me and smiled. I was thinking how lucky I am! this guy is into me! Then I remembered I have a boyfriend, Clint. Then I noticed it was Clint.
I call these moments Deja-Clint. It happened to me a few months ago on the plane back from Mexico. I was taking a nap on an empty 3-seat row, only to wake up and see from the corner of my eyes a gorgeous guy looking at me and smiling. You can guess how it ended. I'm glad Clint is not taking it personally; after all, I fall for him every time the way I did the first time we met.
To sum up: please wear your badges, and pretend you don't notice when I try to read your name before saying hello. Sorry! And see you all soon!
