“People I have talked to who have this ability, or a reasonable facsimile, say it is as much a curse as a gift. “
Yes, the ability CAN detract from a person’s satisfaction in life, especially if that person does not understand how much of a gift it is.
My wife has an amazing ability to recognize a face in different contexts, even after having not seen that face for a long time.
But that ability often causes her distress, especially when others do not likewise recognize her. “Did you see that?” she’ll demand, “She just walked past me as though I wasn’t even there!”
It has taken me decades to persuade her that she has a gift that most people do not have. But what do I know? I’m just her husband! Finally, she is starting to believe me. The above article helped a lot.