DEAR MISS MANNERS: On many occasions I encounter people I have met five or more times over a one-year period. When I see these people, they say, "Hello, I am such-and-such. Nice to meet you."
Yes, they are being polite; however, after meeting me five times -- don't you even remember that you have met me? Am I just being over-sensitive?
My response is, "We have met several times. It's nice to see you."
If I have said that to you five times or more, wouldn't you remember? My husband says that I am letting these people make me feel inferior. I personally think they are just rude and snobby. However, I don't know how to respond to such people.
GENTLE READER: Are you asking Miss Manners why you are not more memorable?
Granted, it is frustrating that these people can't seem to remember you, but your husband is right, you mustn't take it to heart. There could be a myriad of reasons that people are forgetful. Surely you don't want to hear them, particularly if the explanations involve your relative noteworthiness.
Continue to politely reassure these people that you have indeed met -- and then resolve to make more alert acquaintances.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)