On Recognition

"...oh, yeah, I used to know her!"

What a silly thing to say. "Used to know." You'd think you'd either know someone, or not. Once you meet someone, can you really "un-meet" them? I mean, sure, people change. Some change pretty drastically. But I've met a lot of people in my life, and even if I haven't seen them for ten years, I can usually recognize their faces, or sometimes their voices. I guess that's why it's hard for me to understand why people don't recognize me.

I started my shift half an hour ago, and several customers have come in; two of whom I knew from one past social circle or another - neither of whom recognized me. Granted, it's probably been at least a few years since I've seen either of these people, but I don't think I've changed that much since then... My hair changes once every three months or so, I don't wear glasses anymore, I guess my features have changed slightly since I'm 20 now and not 15, but do I really look that different?

I never knew either of these people very well - one was the mother of a girl who relentlessly made fun of me in elementary school, and the other was the mother of a girl I graduated with - but I did used to be on a first-name basis with both of them. When they walked in the store, I recognized each of them instantly, but there was no recognition toward me on their faces. I gave them what they needed and they were on their way, oblivious to the fact that this person, who they thought they didn't know, knew something about them, however small that something might be. I knew their names, how many children they had, where both of them lived (or at least where they used to live), and other bits of information that many people (particularly mothers) try to protect from people they don't know.

Fortunately for them, neither of them were rude to me - but what if they had been? I've had it happen before where someone I've met a long time ago comes in to the store, flips shit about something petty, and leaves, unaware that their integrity has just suffered a major blow. And that's the thing about it - they didn't even know it. They have no idea that I have a connection to them, one way or another, and who knows? One day that could totally come back to bite them in the ass.

I'm not saying that I'm a vengeful person, or the type who would act against someone who was rude to me if given the opportunity - but a lot of people are vengeful, and would do so! It makes me wonder who I've failed to recognize, and/or been rude to. The world is a stage, and everyone truly is watching.

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And I can't say much for the song or its singer, but this guy makes me want to dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmKnQjBf8wM&feature=player_embedded#!