I can certainly see how this lingering symptom, would seem outrageously rude, as if I value my time more than other’s. This provoked assumption, is, very truly, far from the reality.
The trouble lies, entirely, with my faulty memory.
I have identified, my need to employ external memory devices (and therefore, more reliable) temporarily, until my memory reclaims it’s natural effectiveness. I have begun attempting to put all of the plans I make, on my digital calendar. My phone cannot be relied on 100% of the time, however, as sometimes I forget to input the plans I make initially!
There’s always a catch.
I require ample forgiveness from my comrades, (and am soooo thanful for the forgiveness consistently granted to me!) who encounter the resulting effects of my inability to capture plans within my memory.
Self-forgiveness is needed too, for forgetting plans that I’ve made. This is particularly emotionally taxing, as the people I’m unintentionally ditching are my friends!!
There’s a sweet-spot between remembering & beating myself up.
Perhaps I’ve identified an impermanent aid, in the digital calendar, until my memory naturally fully returns. I’m thinking that memory games, which will exercise the memory “muscle” could be helpful as well.
They certainly couldn’t hurt, but I do remember (Haza! – celebrating the retrieval of a memory is key!) the truth that my counselor (who specializes in treating those with brain injuries, as well as others who’ve encountered near-death experiences) continues to remind me: all (including memory) healing requires ample time.
This is certainly not a sprint. Adjustment to living a brain injury is a marathon.