Have you ever met someone at the office or at a party and never quite got their name right. The first few times you can joke that you're not good with names and ask them to repeat it. However, after awhile, it's just too awkward. There's been too much time passed to ask again without looking like an idiot. "Uh, weve met several times and it's been several weeks/months, and I'd hate to ask this but, what is your name?" It's equally awkward to talk to somone who after several months does not correctly pronounce your name and you've never corrected that person. What's worse is when you're in a group setting and everyone there knows your name and is wondering why this person is getting it wrong and why you're just standing there pretending everything is normal. And when someone other than yourself does correct them, they're probably wondering why you just let it go on forever - without realizing the point of awkardness has set in. When is it too late to ask someone what their name is? When is it too late to correct someone on your name?
Are we just looking for general examples of "when it's too late?" or are you specifically wondering about those two examples... (and I've always been horrible at remembering names). Well, in these two cases, technically... it's never too late. For example A: Just have a third person who has never met the one whose name you always forget involved... someone you already know well. Stand far enough away to where you're not being obvious, but close enough to hear their conversation. Have your friend introduce themselves and listen for the other person's name... that seems to work. For B: Lots of options... answer your cellphone in front of the offending person (even if it's not ringing)... use your whole name... that should be a good reminder to the forgetful person. Or have a third person say your name... have them call you from across the room...
it is too late when someone comes up to you and says, could you introduce me to whatshisorhername...then you go to introduce them and realize you don't even know that person's name. that is too late.
