Let people outgrow who they were in eighth grade. You’d want the same deal.

People update and reputations do not. Holding someone to a version of themselves from years ago quietly asks them to keep being that person, since change is hard in a room where nobody believes it is happening. The same runs in reverse for you, which is worth remembering the next time someone brings up who you used to be.

Think of one person you have filed away under an old story. Deal with whoever is in front of you this week instead of with the file. If the old version turns up again, you will know soon enough.