Miss Manners: It seems rude to respond to ‘Do you remember me?’ with ‘I don’t remember your name’

DEAR MISS MANNERS: After leaving a decade ago for college, I have returned to the city my mother lives in. It’s been great seeing the local community again, including many of my mother’s friends. I remember all of their faces, but I can’t always remember their names.

Lately, I’ve been put in the awkward position of being asked, “Do you remember me?” after I have already said hello and even hugged them in greeting! Responding with “I don’t remember your name” feels embarrassing and rude. I’ve resorted to saying “Of course I do!” -- because I do know their face! -- but it admittedly feels dishonest, and I’m unable to back it up with their actual name.

What is the most polite way to respond to this?

GENTLE READER: Surely remembering a face is good enough to answer affirmatively and in good conscience. If you expect to be quizzed, Miss Manners would have your mother by your side, so she can jump in with, “Of course she remembers you, Mabel!”

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(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)