This morning, I got up, threw on some clothes and a cap, put some gum in my mouth, and headed off to Rutters for my morning coffee and donut (cap covers the bedhead, gum the morning breath, since I didn't shower or brush my teeth before leaving.  Don't judge me...).

I got there, got the coffee, picked out my chocolate covered, pudding filled donut (again, don't judge...) and made my way to the counter to pay for it all.  There were a few people in front of me.

The guy directly in front of me had sunglasses on, so I couldn't see his eyes, but he was turned around, looking at me.  And he said, "I know you." And I'm thinking first, oh God, it's some client from work (that's what I ALWAYS think when I don't recognize someone who recognizes me).  But then he added, "From school."

I blinked a couple times cause this guy didn't look familiar to me at all.  So I said, "I don't think I recognize you." And so he took his sunglasses off and said, "John Smith (obviously not his real name, that's just the name I'm using here)".

I recognized the name, but still, the face didn't look familiar at all.  But he put his hand out, so I shook it.  And I said it's been a long time.  he went on to tell me he left school early, joined the military, was in it for 15 years, blew out his knee twice and was discharged medically.  I didn't know what to say, so I mumbled something like, "Well that's too bad."

Luckily, it was then his turn at the register.  When he was done paying he turned, addressed me by my first name and said, "nice seeing you."  I said it back and he left.

Walking back to my house, I was thinking about this. It's kinda strange to me.  He knew my name and recognized my face even though it's been at least 30 years since we've seen each other.  When I didn't recognize his face at all, nor remembered his name, nor would I have known I even knew him at all if he hadn't spoken up first.

It got me wondering: do I still look like I did 30 years ago, despite age, weight, retreating hairline and a goatee?  And am I memorable enough that he could recognize me now?  Or am I just old and forgetful?  I mean he and I really weren't close at all in school.  But yet he knew me and I didn't know him.

Does that mean I'm more memorable and he's not?  Or does it mean he has a good memory and I dont?

POLT