Memorizing Phone Numbers

Summary

Memorizing phone numbers 2025 Oct 04. I don’t save anyone’s phone number in my contacts, except for my mom’s two phone numbers, but I save them as the numbers themselves instead of names or something. The reason for this is so that when I turn on "Do Not Disturb" it won’t filter out any calls from my mom. Other than that, I’m usually the one who initiates contact, or I’ll get back to someone when I see a message or a missed call from a number I recognize. Why do I do this? It’s just a natural way that I’ve found works for me. Not saving numbers means I see the actual number more often, so my brain gets exposed to it repeatedly whenever I open my messages or check past conversations. I’ve realized that this makes it easier for me to memorize the numbers naturally. Here’s the algorithm I use: If I start remembering someone’s number, it means the person I’m texting is gradually becoming closer and more important to me. If I used to remember their number but I start forgetting it, it means a relationship that was once close is now fading. Sometimes, this even serves as a reminder, like “It seems I haven’t messaged Mom in a while. I’m a bit slow recalling her number”(since my mom has two numbers, this method actually works quite well.) If I don’t remember their number, it’s just a fleeting connection, a temporary contact. Sometimes, it makes sense not to save it. Most of the time, if needed, I can always look it up or find a way to contact them easy. Why bother memorizing phone numbers? It’s actually a natural thing that many parents in my country used to teach their children, so they could stay safe if they ever got lost. Of course, there are national emergency contact systems, but in some situations, knowing parent's phone numbers is much better. I’ve seen this less, not just with kids but also adults, almost nobody remembers any phone numbers now, not even those of their closest loved ones. Some of my friends even surprised me when I realized they didn’t remember thei...