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“a disorder of face perception where the ability to recognize faces is impaired”
I did a test online and passed with flying colours. I can pick John Lennon, Tricky Dicky Nixon, Bob Marley and Desmond Tutu out of a line-up no problem. But ask me to remember someone I met last week and I’m useless. I’m just as bad with names. It’s not just laziness or disinterest on my part. Even when it’s really in my best interest to remember someone, I can’t do it. The harder I try, the worse it gets.
I’ve developed some strategies to help me cope. I scan the faces of folk if I’m walking the streets, to see if they show signs of recognising me. Often, there are clues in the conversation that strikes up. Sometimes, I can get clues from where people are situated. If I meet someone somewhere unexpected however, I’m totally lost.
Maeve and I bumped into a bloke in Lincoln town centre a few weeks back. He obviously knew me as he was asking about my brewing exploits and after Smudge’s wellbeing. When we’d said our goodbye’s, Maeve asked “who was that?” and I had to admit that I had not the first clue.
It can be rather embarrassing at times. It’s horrible when a number of people meet and I’m the only common acquaintance: then I’m expected to introduce everyone (not a hope in hell!).
We’re all supposed to wear security passes at work. This is a great bonus for me because it means everyone is labelled, in theory at least. The snag is that many of the women wear their passes on their chests. There is little point in trying to deny lascivious intent when you’re caught staring at a young lady’s chest for the third time in a morning.
I am sure there are many folk who I have offended. I’m not aloof or unfriendly but I’m sure there are many who must think me so. I don’t blame them: I’m sure I would arrive at the same conclusion in their position. Maybe it’s not my fault though.
Never knew there was such a condition….I can’t imagine not having the ability to recognize faces…..
There are people who have totally lost the ability to recognise anyone, usually through brain damage. That’s not true of me, though. I just find it incredibly difficult to memorise faces and names. I get there eventually but it can take years of reinforcement.
My friend has a daughter with the same condition. It’s caused a lot of embarrassment at times: once she confused her school principle for the janitor at school… because both are black ladies. It took them a while to figure out what was going on…
Did they get her any help or find anything akin to a solution?
Not that I know of. Let me ask and I’ll get back to you.
Thanks Liz.
My friend blogged about Prosopagnosia here:
http://autismplanet808.blogspot.com/2012/03/do-i-know-you.html .
Have a look and you can ask her whatever questions you have?
ha for me i can’t remember names if i tried…i often make up names for people or nick names…make it sort of a fun thing…lol
I also find it difficult to remember names, and it is embarrassing when they remember yours. I will talk to someone on numerous occasions and for the life of me I can’t recall their name. Sometimes, I come right out and admit it, only to forget it the next time we meet.
Have you any idea what causes it?
I think it’s because I did not say the name out loud often or hear it frequently.
I had not thought of saying the name out loud (which was pretty dumb of me). I will give that a try, thanks.
I have to make up little tricks to remember names … a German friend married a guy: Jeremy so I made up: Susi is from Germany and is married to Jeremy … clever !
I think the use of mnemonics is a good idea but I don’t think it will help me much with people I don’t recognise.
Worked all day yesterday so I missed this. I pretty good at this too and never forget a face but usually forget where I met the face in ?. Gets weird if it’s a guy I went out with, I’ll assume he’s a salesman or a bartender I’ve conversed with. Tough being 50.
Are you making a living from your writing or do you have a “day job”?
I model still. Had 2 writing jobs this year but nothing sustainable. Maybe one day.
Oh, I’m so sorry Susannah, I thought you’d quit modelling. Your gravatar profile speaks of your fashion career in the past tense. Did you divert into glamour? lol
Yes you’re right, it is misleading. I guess because my career is nothing like it was. It changes when you get older. I’m now considered aspirational which is one step from expirational but I do still work and go on appointments. I long to write full time and the blog does give a semblance of that. Thingirl just needs cash.
Expirational: very funny!
You are still drop-dead gorgeous but I don’t suppose the modelling industry (?) makes much allowance for age.
I’m guessing you will already have tried writing pieces for magazines and the like?
Yes I have sold some. Have a little one in the June issue of More coming out. We try and thanks for saying I’m gorgeous. Don’t hear that very often.
Is there some endemic problem with eyesights in New York?
I will have to find a copy of More!
I think you’re told your pretty when you’re younger. I look great for my age, I know that, but I can’t compete with a 30 year year old. It bothers me too but what can I do? Men my age are not interested in me and I’m not interested in the geriatric set, if you know what I mean, so what’s left? Writing. Thanks again for saying something so nice.
Beauty is a fickle thing: so subjective, so hard to explain. You maybe can’t compete with a thirty year-old in modelling, because it’s an industry (like any industry) that will always seek to avoid risk and usually, that means sticking to the tried and trusted, in this instance, youth.
Age has a beauty of its own. There are so many components of beauty that do not diminish with age: indeed, some actually get better. I’m thinking of things like reserve, imperiousness, gentleness, calmness, poise.
I can see you’ve still got it and I think you still believe in yourself.
I do but I’m very sensitive about it. My whole life has been about my looks so, do the math. I need to just accept the way things are. Thanks for all your sweet words.
I found “george clooney” and “missing in action” online and I am most impressed Susannah. You really have a knack for that laid-back, self-depreciating style, that sits so well in magazines. Camille sounds like a lot of fun!
Keep up the good work.
Rob.
I’m so touched that you would go to all that trouble to read something I wrote. Thank you.
You are far too modest Susannah. I read your work because I enjoy it, so there is no trouble for me.