Introductions - a thing of the past?

glamma - that's lovely of your DGS. Yes it is thoughtlessness. My DD hasn't given it a thought I'm sure and assumes as you say. She has a set of friends who are very loud and gushing and sort of 'take over' every situation. My DD seems to look up to them and goes along with it all. Our family are quiet people, we tend to blend into the background and sometimes get forgotten about I think. Maybe I should be a bit more pushy!

KatyK I certainly wouldn't think you are an embarrassment as your DD has asked you a few times to accompany her,she may just be so relieved you are with her for support and expects her friends to know who you are,they are so thoughtless sometimes aren't they ? she is probably presuming you are enjoying yourself at being at the social event.
When I think about it the only person who always makes a fuss about introducing me is my eldest DGS who always sings my praises when we are out and he meets up with anyone he knows,mind you he does have a way with him I think it must be the Portuguese half of his parentage showing through.

Grannyknot How kind of your daughter. It's awful when you can't remember someone's name isn't it? I'm usually pretty good but it's happened on the odd occasion. Thank goodness you were saved.

KatyK I'd also be upset and probably mention to my daughter (in private of course) to please include me by introducing me. I can't really comment because my daughter always introduces me to people as "This is my mum" and then gives my first name. I doubt it's the old and invisible thing. Perhaps it is just being a bit thoughtless. Say something, gently.

A while ago we were at a fairly distant family member's house at Christmas, and there was a really elderly woman there (in her 90s), someone mum, and my daughter came to me during the course of the afternoon and said that she felt sorry for "that old lady" because people were ignoring her "and so I'm going to take her around now and introduce her to everyone, make sure you talk to her about Eastenders" . And I never watch it!

I read this thread thinking it would be about the dreaded thing that happened to me recently - when someone came and joined in where I was talking to another person - and I couldn't remember the person who had joined the conversation's name - and I knew that the longer the time ticked by, the ruder I would seem, especially as he had greeted me by name, and I should have known who he was! (In my defense, I meet a heck of a lot of people through work). Anyway I was saved by the bell because a fourth person joined our group and greeted the "joiner" by name, which jogged my memory for his surname (phew!).

I don't know really. What I do know is that I feel that I don't matter, that other people matter more than me. Probably just a bit thoughtless.

That's very strange, because I had a disturbing dream, just before I woke up this morning.
I was with someone of my age and he said, here's my son and his family. I went up to each of them to shake their hand and all I got was a blank look and limp hands.
Still puzzling over what it meant.
As you say, maybe the old and invisible thing.

kitty - yes I have started doing that but I just find it a bit upsetting that she doesn't do it. Ever. Merlot that's just it I feel excluded. I am very under-confident anyway, but I do try. Up until a few years ago, she always introduced me and seemed proud of me. Now I am not so sure Perhaps it's the old and invisible thing rearing it's head although I am only 64 and I don't think I look it. Thanks for your thoughts.

I think it's a confidence thing. Back in the day, introductions were formal and often led to handshakes and 'How do you do?' Etiquette ruled!

People are more familiar now so perhaps they think introductions are unnecessary. It's a shame because being introduced makes you feel included.

I know my children would always introduce me but I'm now wondering whether my grandchildren would.

Why don't you say 'Hello, I'm Katy, I'm DD's mum' I do that if I'm picking up from school or nursery and on of DGC comes out with a friend whose mum happens to be nearby!

I have wondered if I am an embarrassment or something. Next time it happens I am going ask her. I don't think I'm so bad!

I hope it isn't a trend, Katy. As far as I remember, my two have always introduced me and so have their other halves.