How can I be forgotten?

Do you know this? You introduce yourself to a person and it feels like you are meeting for the first time. But you have already introduced yourself one or more times and they just forgot. What do you say in this situation?

To be honest, I often don't dare to say that we have already met (several times) and I just go through the whole getting to know each other again. This way I can avoid an unpleasant confrontation with my counterpart. Besides, I don't want the other person to feel bad... 🤐

But what if you are at a family gathering. You're standing next to your sister who is 14 years younger than you. Everyone knows her and greets her warmly. Then they look at you and ask, "Who are you?

😮😳🤯

Here's what's going on in my head: Uh, hello?! I am Monika, my parents' eldest daughter! So you must know me. I was here before my sister! You've seen me grow up!

Honestly, how could my relatives have forgotten me! 😕

This question got me thinking ....

I think everyone wants to be seen. It's nice if the other person remembers your name, where you first met, maybe what your interests are or what you do for a living. It doesn't feel good to be forgotten. My best friend once forgot me at a club when she was drunk. That doesn't feel good. Being forgotten by your own relative feels similar. So what do you do at that moment?

I smiled and kindly explained who I was.

(And they were so embarrassed... 🙈)

From this situation I have learned that I can trust who I am and that my identity does not depend on whether others remember me or not. The situation has nothing to do with my family choosing my sister over me. It is my insecurity that is trying to lie to me in this moment. I am just as valuable as my sister. I am worthy of being remembered. (I hope that doesn't sound conceited 😅).

With that said, stand up for who you are! You are worth being remembered! 👸