Hold on to the friend who remembers your order, your big test date and your dog’s name.

Remembering small facts about somebody is not a talent, it is evidence of attention. Those details got stored because a person was actually listening when you mentioned them, probably in passing, probably when you did not think it mattered. Anyone can be nice, but very few people are keeping track.

Notice who does it for you and then do it back deliberately. Write things down if your memory is bad, which is not cheating. Ask about the interview afterwards, and say the dog’s name. Being remembered accurately is one of the better feelings available, and it is entirely within your power to hand out.