29 Comments
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Claire's avatar

I feel mightily relieved to know this face blindness is a thing so thank you for writing about it. A little notebook is such a good idea and maybe just knowing I have it to write the details in will make me remember a name at least. I’ve often said I’d be a hopeless witness to a crime scene! Thank you for your substack articles, it’s like getting cheerful note of news from a friend. Merry Christmas xx

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

It seems we are all in good company. Thank you for your message Claire - it’s lovely to know you’re enjoying my slightly random thoughts and I wish you a VERY merry Christmas

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Sam Butler's avatar

I can’t believe that your Rotters are so well organised. My husband asks the wrapping paper question every year but not until at least 10:30 pm on Christmas Eve. On the occasion that I answered in the negative my presents were wrapped in newspaper

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

Yes- early this year as we are away for Christmas!

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Odile's avatar

"Do we have any wrapping paper? " I thought it was just my husband!

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

Nope! Not just yours! X

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Chris Lippiatt's avatar

Merry Christmas from across the pond! I do enjoy your writings.

I have said "hello, I'm Chris, I don't believe we've met" to get a response along the lines "oh we met at . . ." Embarrassing

to say the least! Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone :)

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

From the responses so far I think we’re all just winging it! Merry Christmas!

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Gina Ferrari's avatar

Very much enjoyed reading the day before Christmas Eve, thank you. Do WE have wrapping paper... those exact words were uttered to me over breakfast yesterday! WE do!

And I'm so pleased that I'm not the only one who sneaks in gifts for myself at this time of year. Wishing you a very happy Christmas and enjoy those beautiful plants.

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

Have WE emptied the bins? 😂😂😂💚

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Gina Ferrari's avatar

Oh how we laugh!!!

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Jodie Jones's avatar

I can definitely relate to the ’Have we got wrapping paper’ question. I have only just discovered your substack and I am really enjoying it. Thank you and merry Christmas.

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

Thank you Jodie and Merry Christmas to you also x

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Gill Trew's avatar

Have a lovely Christmas & thank you for all of the smiles you give me - you make me realise I’m not the only one who has ‘moments’ & for all the beautiful plants & ideas you so willingly share 🥰

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

I think we ‘moment’ people outnumber the other crew! Thank you for your kind message

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Jo Thompson's avatar

A very merry Christmas to you - and I’m so going to use that notebook trick. Last week I forgot my own hairdresser’s name WHILE I WAS SITTING IN HER CHAIR WHILE SHE WAS CUTTING MY HAIR - something needs to be done.

You are not alone: my friend kissed her binman in John Lewis last week.

Oh and yes please to those hellebores 💚💚💚

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

I WISH it had been my binman - I adore him! x

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Jo Thompson's avatar

I need to find you a photo of my Venice binman - every visitor ogles him out of the window and yes he’s so handsome that there’s a photo…

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Jen's avatar

I've seen an interview with Joanna Lumley saying she has the same face blindness, and apparently so does Stephen Fry...so you're in good company.

I've loved receiving your substacks since I found it a couple of months ago, thank you for writing it!

Have a very happy Christmas xx

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

Dear Jen - this is the best news ever! Have you read Stephen fry’s latest? It is so good. Thank you so much for your kind message and I’m sending you happy Christmas wishes.

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Katharine's avatar

Excellent news :) Both come across as people who would easily remember people's names. I'm so glad I'm not alone. I've even been known to blank on friends' names, particularly when having to introduce them to someone.

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Katharine's avatar

"What did we get the grandchildren and children this year?"

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Georgie Newbery's avatar

I suffer the same name/face affliction xxx

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Kendra Wilson's avatar

You are right Laetitia, I'm not reading this before Christmas; it's Boxing Day. How delightful to be mentioned by you! I once rushed up to Terence Stamp (in New York) as though he was a long lost friend, so let us spare a thought for all famous people, in this season of good will. You have a wonderful turn of phrase. Happy betwixtmas! x

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Oh Laetitia, this is most excellent, thank you. Sending you and the gang huge festive love, and hope to see you early in 2025 xxx

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Louise's avatar

Merry Christmas, what lovely plants, and I'm so glad it's not only me! I am really hopeless at names and faces, but because I'm a teacher I have to remember hundreds of them, but I can only retain a certain amount, so as soon as the students go to secondary school they are wiped from my mind... but the secondary school is on the same campus, so every so often some large child says, "Hello Miss! Do you remember me?" and I say heartily, "Of course!" while desperately trying to place them. As for people in my town, who I have been seeing for 35 years... I could probably name five of them.

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Susan Wright's avatar

Merry Christmas Laetitia, brightened my monday again. 🎄🎅🏼💕

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Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

😍💚👏🙏

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Nicki's avatar

I am indeed reading this on Christmas Eve eve.. It's our daughter's birthday today. She is 24 but still expects presents, cake etc so I'm enjoying a moment of calm before that all kicks off!

The postman story 😂🤭🫣 oh goodness! I have a similar affliction with faces. When my son was in sixth form I once walked right past him in the street (until he asked me why I was blanking him!) because I hadn't expected to see him out of school at that time.

Thank you for the links of loveliness. Wishing you and your family a delightfully cosy and calm festive season!

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