The Pros And Cons Of A Photographic Memory
A photographic memory is when you can see events in your head as if they were taking place again right in front of you. It is a very apt expression, for it is as if your brain has somehow taken a Pulitzer Prize-winning snapshot with every detail frozen in place. Having a photographic memory has its good points, and its bad points. Let's now examine these points from someone who had this kind of memory and then lost it.
My Story
This writer used to have a photographic memory. I could remember, in minute detail, comedian's monologues, song lyrics, family conversations and the names and years of all the winners of the Kentucky Derby. When I was a child, this photographic memory served me extremely well in school, because I could remember lessons on the test day. It was also nice to be relied on as a walking reference desk.
Ad Then I Grew Up
People around me, rather than being enchanted by my photographic memory, grew to positively hate it. I could remember things they said that they couldn't for the life of them remember. It got to where no one would talk around me. And my classmates could not stand me, because I knew all of the answers. Sometimes I would purposely flub an answer just to make the rest of the class laugh.
The reason person without a photographic memory resent someone with one is that no one likes to be proven that they are wrong. If you want to hold on to a photographic memory, be very careful who you let know of your ability. Although this is not fair, this is the way the world works.
I lost my photographic memory practically the day I hit 30. Or was it 29? Maybe it was when I was 28…anyway, I lost it and haven't been able to find where I last put it. I would miss not having a photographic memory anymore, but I can't quite remember if I was unhappy with it.
Children are more prone to having a photographic memory than adults, for the simple reason that children don't have as much to remember. If your child pops up with, "That's not what you said! You said this," they are not trying to make fun of you; they are actually trying to be helpful. Having a photographic memory can be hard for a child at times, since it seems they are so different. Be sure you let your child know that you appreciate their ability, but not to volunteer information unless asked.
