Olvidar

[poli]

I know that olvidar is a verb used in a unique manner. In Spanish we don't forget; things are forgotten unto us. However, I am nearly sure that I have heard me olvido instead of se me olvida, I believe that I have used me olvido in conversation without thinking. Is it an incorrect usage?

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

No, it's not incorrect.

One construction is preferred over the other depending on the region, and sometimes also the register:
Spain (and probably other countries): Me olvidé las llaves en casa.
Mexico: Olvidé las llaves en la casa. (More educated.) = Se me olvidaron las llaves en la casa. (More daily speech.)
Other regions: Últimamente me olvido de las cosas.
Mexico: Últimamente olvido las cosas. = Últimamente se me olvidan las cosas.
Here, in all cases, it's not my will to forget, but when it's not an impersonal construction, I take responsibility for my neglect.


And both constructions may mean something different:
(In Mexico)
- Cuando me voy de vacaciones, me olvido de todo. -> I purposely forget about anything else that is not my vacation, as opposed as "se me olvida todo", which means that I have no control on forgetting things I shouldn't.
- Olvídate de Juan; él ya tiene novia. -> You must forget the guy who already has a girlfriend. Here, the impersonal can't be used, because this is something that has to be done consciously.

[poli]

Great information! Especially the second half which explains subtle differences in how the verb can be used.

[aleCcowaN]

In Argentina, expressions like "se me olvidó" are hardly used and sound like they're using dativo de interés*. Cultured speakers use it to soften some expressions so avoiding the addressee to feel under judgement by hinting at them

¿No se te olvida algo? (umbrella, briefcase, paying their bill)

The rest is very fluid and sometines changes with intonation or context:

Olvidé el dinero (silly me)
Me olvidé el dinero ( you don't know what happened to me, I forgot the money!)
Me olvidé del dinero (the whole thing slipped out of my mind)
Me olvidé completamente de lo del dinero (the same, squared)
Se me olvidó completamente lo del dinero (self-indulgence; Pontius Pilate wouldn't have said it better)

The same with verbs

Olvidé completar el campo (silly me)
Me olvidé de completar el campo (poor little me)

The latter is much preferred, as it is natural with a language with 90% of speakers trying to avoid any responsability as if it is the plague.

Se me rompió la taza (¡mala taza! ¡mala taza!) Ocurrió cuando distraída se puso en el camino de mi codo.

With imperative

Olvida el dinero (hay cosas más importantes)
Olvídate del dinero (is gone, nobody can help it)
[angrily] ¡Olvídate del dinero! (te lo daré cuando las ranas críen pelo)

*Se nos casa Juanito