It can be super awkward when you don't remember someone's name.
Especially if they remember yours... and you met at a party and spent hours together... and then you invite them to a Cubs game with your family to try and make up for your poor memory...
I never did that but it would have been awkward, eh?
When I am in a social setting and cannot remember a person's name, I tried to introduce them to someone:
Me: Oh hi, have you met my friend (insert name of friend I DO know)?
Unnamed person sticks out their hand: No I haven't, my name is Neil/John/Rhett
Bingo! His name was Rhett! Er, I mean, that was all hypothetical.
If you've no one to introduce, no one you can consult, you don't have a smart phone and cannot look on FB, then you're better off just being honest. Explain to them that you have a terrible memory or that they are extremely forgettable and let them clear up the mystery.
If all else fails, call him Steve. I once called an Eric by the name of Steve - and got others to do it too - for a few months. He's married now and I'm sure gets called worse names that Steve. You're welcome.
