When you call up and tell me it's George Washington calling, I am going to doubt you. I know George was the first US president and that he died a long time ago. You wouldn't do such a silly thing but the twists and turns of modern life can quickly scoot me into a mental space that I don't expect.
Like others, I have many passwords. More and more, passwords are required to be many characters. Sometimes, I can make myself a new password. Sometimes, I am required to make a new one. After I make a new one, I need to be aware that the new one is current and the old one isn't. Sometimes, I am required to answer a security question. I often get to create the security question or select my choice from a list of available ones.
Back then, we had a loveable little snake. She would answer to her name when we called and we were all thrilled at the cuddly but muscular way she would constrict the blood flow to a hand when she wound herself around a wrist. She was a big part of our day. So, of course, when I constructed a security question in 1981, I chose "What is the name of your favorite pet?" But that snake died long ago. I haven't thought of the little devil for years. When the nice computer guy asks me to answer the security question I chose myself, I can't remember what we called it. Anselm? Fang? Squeezy? I can see that little thing in my mind but my mind has slowed. You can't just take a random withdraw from my memory anymore. Where's Lynn? She would know what we called the damned thing.
Security questions and old passwords can suddenly loom up, blocking your path. I honestly am the guy I say I am. I wouldn't scam you, Sir.
