We all want to be memorable or, if not memorable, at least not completely forgettable. This is why, when directed at someone you’ve already met, a simple, cheery “Nice to meet you!” or “Hi, I’m Claire!” (use your own name) can be devastating (or at least kind of a bummer).
It’s Evil Week at Lifehacker, which means we’re looking into less-than-seemly methods for getting shit done. We like to think we’re shedding light on these tactics as a way to help you do the opposite, but if you are, in fact, evil, you might find this week unironically helpful. That’s up to you.
This sly little strategy — which I first saw employed by Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock — works particularly well on people who think highly of themselves. Acting like this is the first time you’ve met communicates that this person really isn’t all that special or interesting, and that they have a bland, forgettable face.
Take care when executing it, and pick your target wisely. It does not work so well on people you’ve known for many years (like a spouse or an ex spouse), or on famous or important people you met that one time at a party, because they probably don’t remember you. But, when used on a casual acquaintance you can’t stand — you know, the one you took an immediate disliking to — you can really take someone down a few pegs.
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