Exactly this. So many of my memories are tied to feelings which is absolutely fantastic for remembering that I’ve been to a place, but not for remembering where that place is, for example.
When I say “I feel like I’ve been here before” I really mean that the feeling itself is familiar.
And its the same when I put stuff away. I remember where tools are because I remember the feeling I had when I put it away and not because I remember the location specifically. It’s a real double edged sword because I can remember very specific details way clearer than most people but I can’t remember generic broad things like “where did you put it”
My wife can remember where we were, what we were wearing, and what the conversation was, to seemingly everything we’ve ever done. (She can actually play recent conversations back in her head.)
Meanwhile, I just remember impressions. They can be pretty visceral too. A smell, a sound, and the emotional response that I had to a place.
But name, location, decor… not a chance.
But I think I have some form of aphantasia too, since I have a terrible time seeing any details in my head.
Exactly this. So many of my memories are tied to feelings which is absolutely fantastic for remembering that I’ve been to a place, but not for remembering where that place is, for example.
When I say “I feel like I’ve been here before” I really mean that the feeling itself is familiar.
And its the same when I put stuff away. I remember where tools are because I remember the feeling I had when I put it away and not because I remember the location specifically. It’s a real double edged sword because I can remember very specific details way clearer than most people but I can’t remember generic broad things like “where did you put it”
I am excited to find out that I am not alone!
My wife can remember where we were, what we were wearing, and what the conversation was, to seemingly everything we’ve ever done. (She can actually play recent conversations back in her head.)
Meanwhile, I just remember impressions. They can be pretty visceral too. A smell, a sound, and the emotional response that I had to a place.
But name, location, decor… not a chance.
But I think I have some form of aphantasia too, since I have a terrible time seeing any details in my head.