DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Zack," has been a bartender for many years. He has a terrible time remembering the names of his many customers who consider him a friend.
When we're out and about, we often encounter these people. Because Zack cannot remember their names, he simply does not introduce me to them. I feel very left out. Of course, they stare at me and wonder who I am, and it's a very awkward situation.
Zack refuses to admit to people that he can't remember their names. He says they would be offended, especially since he has known them for many years. Is there any way to deal with this? -- RED-FACED IN PITTSBURGH
DEAR RED-FACED: Absolutely! As soon as the person glances over at you, smile and say, "Hi! I'm 'Melissa.' What's your name?" It works every time.
P.S. When your boyfriend sees these people, he probably thinks, "There's rum and cola," or "gin and tonic." His problem is not uncommon among people in his profession.