DEAR ABBY: "I'll bet you don't remember me, do you?" I dread hearing that question, and I'm sure other schoolteachers do, too.
After 34 years (so far) in the classroom, I simply can't remember the names of all my former students. Answering "No" diminishes the initial joy we both should feel in recalling that relationship.
This deflating situation could be avoided if one would say, "I'm John Smith. Do you remember me?"
Any advice on how to handle this awkward but all-too-common predicament? -- LONGTIME SCHOOLTEACHER
DEAR LONGTIME TEACHER: The answer to your question is one that could apply to anyone who is asked this embarrassing question. Simply say, "Your face is very familiar, but I'm sorry, your name escapes me. What is it?"