People naturally worry about their memory as they get older. “Oh, I can’t remember where I put my reading glasses. It must be the beginning of the end.” Really? Follow a teenager around someday and watch how much they forget.

“My math final is today, and I forgot to study for it!”

“I kissed Billy. I forgot I was dating Bobby!”

“I forgot I wasn’t supposed to take Dad’s car without permission.”

“No, I don’t remember you ever saying that I couldn’t get a tattoo until I was 40.”

In healthy people, much of what is remembered is a choice. We remember the things that are important to us, while unconsciously deciding that other things are not worth it. That’s why forgetting birthdays and anniversaries is considered so unforgivable. The injured party senses that the special date wasn’t important enough to be remembered.

“I don’t remember the doctor saying I shouldn’t eat so much salt and should cut down on calories.” Why would you bother to remember something like that?

“I don’t remember you telling me your mother was coming to visit. For three weeks.”

“I shot a par. My partner says I got a six. He must have a lousy memory.”