Having a really good memory = a problem?

[Mr. Goods]

Apparently, I have a very good memory. It's not photographic, but I can retain a lot of information in a little amount of time. Over time, I have realized, when it comes to social situations and girls, this is...a bad thing?

The situations are similar, I'll use the other day as an example. A friend and I were talking to two girls while we were at work. Not hitting on the girls, just talking since they were near us (though they were moderately attractive). My friend and I are relatively new at the company, so we were all talking about the strange schedules we have. Later that work shift, while my friend and I are working, the following convo ensues:

MrG (me): Those girls seemed cool.
Friend: Yep, maybe we'll run across them soon.
MrG: Perhaps. Sucks that they work so late at night.
Friend: Wow you're weird. How do you know their schedule? Are you a stalker?
MrG: Umm...(Friend), they mentioned that twice in the conversation. Were you listening lol?

A few weeks ago, when I was back home, similar situation at a local bar. My friend was talking to a girl he liked, I was wingman-ing for him. The next day, he called just to say hey. Part of the conversation:
Friend (a Lakers fan): Maybe I'll invite her over to watch the Lakers-Celtics game, or we can go to (sports bar near us).
Me: That should be interesting. She's a Celtics fan, so don't rub it in if the Lakers win.
Friend: Did you see she was a Celtics fan on Facebook? It's like you're on that site all the time. Stalker lol.
Me: Yeah, um...she's from Boston and her favorite player is Paul Pierce. She said that in the conversation. Where were you?

Aside from listening and remembering basic conversations, I know my friend's birthdays without having to resort to a calendar. I can remember their cell numbers because I speak with them regularly. If a girl mentions something in a conversation, I will remember it. Relating it to this forum, I can recite every girl I ever asked out (17 girls), what the result was, and how far I got. When my friends and I run into someone from high school, I recognize them and can start a conversation, because I remember something about them.

The problem is, people misinterpret my memory and think I am some sort of creep/stalker, and I am definitely not one. Is there a way around this? Pretending I have amnesia is not the answer.

 

[Chickfight]

Wow, that's cool, you have like a super power. You should just keep this info to yourself and not volunteer it so much to your friends. Information is power.

I wish I could remember this kinda stuff, but I even have problems remembering names, even of people I actually like. It's bad.

 

[I_Like_to_Box]

It's a great skill to have. Your friend just doesn't listen very well.

 

[green69]

I'm like this as well. Too be honest I never have people calling me stalkers, but rather surprise/shock that I actually remembered something about them/someone else. Never had a problem with this, instead I playfully tease others about how shoddy their memory is lol.

 

[pinhas]

I have the EXACT same thing! I remember details of my friends lives, their schedules and other details. I could over hear some conversation and remember personal details.

I did find that it could be perceived weirdly and once realizing it, I try to keep my mouth shut. A lot of times I hear the same stories from people who forgot they told them to me before, and now I just remain quite, listen and act like its the first time; makes them feel good.

I also remember faces really well, and it is awkward at times when I meet a person I saw before, even long before and they don't remember me, even though I remember them.

Funny enough, when speaking to a new person, I always have a hard time remembering their name upon meeting, and I forget it moments after they tell it to me. (could also be that I dont care and forget, but its bad and I am trying to fix this)

 

[Mr. Goods]

Thanks for the reassurance, guys. I agree it's definitely a good or "cool" thing, I just get surprised by the backlash I get from friends and - yes - girls. Fortunately, so far, this memory thing has been a positive at my new job.

One girl at work was impressed I remembered it was her birthday - she told me this the day before, and telling a guy I know only a little bit that I couldn't switch time shifts with him was made easier because I joked with him about his favorite TV show.

Funny enough, when speaking to a new person, I always have a hard time remembering their name upon meeting, and I forget it moments after they tell it to me. (could also be that I dont care and forget, but its bad and I am trying to fix this)

Similar case here. Usually, I get names after the 2nd time. 50/50 shot I get it the first time, but if not, 100% by the 2nd time. Luckily, most of these people forget my name too after the first take, so it's not so awkward.

 

[vatoloco]

When people call you out for being a stalker - do one of 3 things (BUT ALWAYS AGREE WITH THEM):

PR here beat me to the punch. Agree & Amplify, my friend. Agree & Amplify.

 

[JohnnyStrabler]

The only problem I see with having good memory (I have photographic, or so thats why elementary school guidance counselor say) is that I have trouble forgetting "moments" which makes it harder for me to cure oneitis

 

[cablecow15]

all i got from that , was that your friend is a idiot , and he trys to rag on you for being a good listener to make himself feel better , Ive had friends like that before , you don't want him pulling crap like that when girls are there.