Woman asked Twitter to remind her not to have kids in seven years - and someone did
Now multiple people are asking him for reminders
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Although social media is hardly a reliable alarm clock, seven years ago, a woman asked her followers on Twitter to remind her not to have children in seven years - and has just received a reminder, as requested.
On March 22 2018, Doug Exeter tweeted a simple “Don’t have kids” in response.
But it turns out Doug’s reminder for Neisha, who had originally requested the reminder on June 22 2011, was too late to stop her from having children - as her daughter is turning one next month.
Doug, having waited the seven years Neisha requested, pointed out that she should have said five years, rather than seven, to which Neisha agreed.
The Twitter exchange has amused thousands of people, but many have some questions - how did Doug remember to remind Neisha seven years later? And why did he agree to do this?
According to Doug, his reasoning was as simple as a “commitment to public service.”
As for his impeccable memory, albeit three months early, Doug responded that he was actually more like “20 months late” - seeing as Neisha had already given birth to her daughter.
But he also mentioned he’d relied on a calendar - and not simply by searching for tweets that include words such as “remind me in…”
Despite his simple explanation, others have speculated that Doug is a “time-traveller” and a “force of nature,” thanks to his ability to remember requests from seven years prior.
Now, Doug’s services as a personal reminder are being requested for all sorts of odd jobs.
“Remind me to turn off the light in my room in one week,” requested one person.
However, Doug admits that he can’t remember to do everything, despite what it may seem.
In response to a request for a reminder 50 years from now, Doug tweeted: “Like any of us will be alive then.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments