"Hello, have I met you before?"

Memory seems like such a complex and tricky idea. The depth to the concept seems endless. So, how does it work? Well, described in simple terms, it's actually not very complicated at all. Vlad Tarko describes it as, "The way memory functions can be described in the following way: When we are in a certain situation, certain things attract our attention and generate emotions, thoughts etc. When we are recalling something we revisit in our imagination that certain situation and the brain generates the same emotions, thoughts etc. once again (or maybe not exactly the same emotions and thoughts but some which resemble them fairly closely)." Basically, memory is not a file cabinet where your brain can just pick and choose memories to open. If you would like to read more about an experiment that has to do with memory and fMRI's, you can read this. To read a more in-depth article on how memory works, visit this link. Also, here is an article about photographic memory, or eidetic memory.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is a movie where the process of being able to eliminate certain parts of your memory is available. They describe the process as destroying certain cells and neurons, or "a bad night of drinking". The movie revolved around a couple whose long, intimate relationship turned sour. The girl got every memory about her ex boyfriend and their relationship removed because she was in so much pain. If you could have this done to yourself, would you do it? I really don't think I would. Yes, the memories are painful, but pain is part of life. If you have every painful memory erased, you won't know how to deal with pain in the future. I really don't think there should be an option to have parts your memory erased. Memory and pain is part of life. Something can be learned from every bad thing that happens, so live with it, embrace it, and most importantly, learn from it.