Laundry Night - m4m - 28 (Buena Park)

This guy is certainly washing his dirty laundry in public. From craigslist Chicago:

To the cute guy who lives in my building: we pulled our laundry out at the same time. I was deep in thought when you said "hi," otherwise I would've tried to strike up a conversation with you. Email me if you want to chat - you just live a couple apartments below me. :-)

Dear officer, you were the best part of my jury duty! - w4m - 26 (Moultrie Courthouse, DC)

This juror has certainly reached a verdict. From craigslist Washington:

At around 12:30 on Thursday you walked into a courtroom near where jurors were pooling. As a potential juror, I was sitting, waiting, and reading. I saw you walk up and suddenly had something to look at. We made extended eye contact and I'd love to meet up for coffee.
I was wearing a bright pink sweater and had horrible posture (it's normally better, I promise). You were tall, dark, and handsome with short hair-- super attractive and exactly my type. I think you were a police officer, but you weren't wearing the uniform I'm used to.
Describe the shirt you were wearing so I know that it's you.

To the guy next to me at Priscilla.. - m4m - 29 (Midtown West)

This could actually be part of the plot of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. From craigslist New York:

To the guy next to me at Priscilla.. You were a wonderful seat mate despite the fact that:
- I was with my parents
- The women in front of us refused to shower
- We only got to talk a small amount during intermission
I hope to keep in touch. Us airline boys can go anywhere. I'd love to buy you a drink on the West Coast. RY

Before getting off the subway, you started singing. I liked that - m4w - 29

A deep thinker in pink who sings on the subway. Wow. From craigslist Washington:

We stood next to each other on the metro. You were gorgeous, wearing pink and looked like a deep thinker. You put headphones in before I had a chance to strike up a conversation. Before getting off the subway at L’Enfant, you started singing. I liked that. Want to have a picnic?

Saw u in St Charles Church 8am Mass, Then in Stop and Shop this 2pm? - m4w (Si)

Love thy neighbor, indeed. Some church goers definitely don't have their minds on higher things. Take this from craigslist New York:

I saw you in church this morning 8am mass. I think you were with your mother.
you were a cutie. Then i saw u in stop and shop. it was funny. Let's talk.

And here's another church encounter from craigslist San Francisco:

St. Matthew's Sat Evenings - m4m (San Mateo)
We see each other once a month or so at St. Matthew's in San Mateo. I take my elderly mother to church when I am in town. You help out each week. Interested?

You are no longer my wife - m4w (rohnert pk / cotati)

Now that's a romantic way to get divorced, Maybe they'll spot each other on the tram in a few years time and start all over again. From craigslist San Francisco:

D, 
As of today, we are no longer married. I know it's for the best, but I will always love you. I know we both regret the way things turned out. I doubt you will ever see this, and that is okay. I am moving on with my life, as you are. Take care, I hope you have an amazing life, I hope you are truly happy. You will always be my missed connection.
Love, WB

Oh, Prince Harry! - w4m - 20 (Detroit)

Wills might be taken but there's hope for Harry on  craigslist Detroit:
 
My dear Prince Harry....... come to the states and sweep me off my feet! How I long for the lifestyle of a Princess, but instead I live in this Hell-hole! Give me the life and wedding of my dreams and in turn I will give you complete and utter love, pleasure, and happiness. You will not regret it! I will give you beautiful children and I will remain a beautiful wife for you forever. Love always, your Princess.

French girl at Think Cafe, you talked ever so much. - m4w (SoHo)

Now that's kooky for you… and surely a great casting opportunity for Woody Allen. From craigslist New York:

Really you did. You talked nonstop at around five minute intervals. Really you did, cause all around you, people look up to see, what idiot could possibly manage, such a burst of language.
 You're like that naive neurotic from a Woody Allen film with endless complaints. Really you are most comical. You should be put in display for all to see, eternally pouring gibberish.
 And such a lyrical face, but alas you talk too much!

Metropolis tattoo, digging through the Goodwill bins - m4w - 24

Not sleepless in Seattle, just digging through the goodwill bins… From craigslist Seattle:

You were the striking blonde trying on schlumpy grandpa sweaters. I was the nerdwad fighting off crackheads for cassette tapes. You are everything beautiful, compressed into a single body. Perhaps sometime soon we can discuss "airport" over a pile of mighty-o's? That would be so niiiiiiiiice.

SpinCycle No Detergent - m4w - 28 (South Congress)

Talk about washing your dirty laundry in public… From craigslist Austin:

At first I thought you were looking at me because you thought I was cute (I thought you were beautiful). Then I realized that you just wanted to ask me for some laundry detergent. You tried to pay me back but I should have asked you for a date instead of declining your money. I couldn't get up the courage to ask you out right there in the middle of the laundromat, but I am kicking myself for not doing it. If you want to take me up on that date let me know...we can both go in our newly clean clothes to a movie or dinner or something. I really hope you read missed connections. Put the color of my car in the title so I know it's you.

Dear Random Girls in my apartment at 5am. I Want Gummy Bears, Not Sex - m4ww - 28 (Austin)

There's the whole opening scene for a movie in this post from craigslist Austin. And possibly a part for Sandra Bullock.

So I had a bizarre, weird, sexy morning...
I went to sleep in my living room watching this alien invasion movie called Skyline. I'd say I fell asleep between 1AM and 1:30AM. I was dreaming about eating gummy bears and playing jump-rope, and then BAM! I woke up to 3 chicks barging in the door at 5 AM, yes three sexy girls, one blonde, two brunettes. I never met them before, nor invited them to a sexy party at my place. They had more than a few drinks I suppose. The pretty blonde exclaimed "Hey wake up!" and then she flashed me, it was nice perky... yet rude awakening. Then she tapped on my junk and says " Penis! Tee hee". If I was 17 and a half again, this would have been a dream come true. Sorry but, I do not get boners right after waking up from REM sleep. I want gummy bears, not sex. 
So I'm like WTF? First of all, sorry, I'll play skeet skeet bang bang when I get to know you, unless you're Sandra Bullock. I asked her what her name was, it wasn't Sandra so I forgot it already. I'm just too groggy... correction, I am very groggy.
I am not up to do anything with these girls, no pun intend. Anyway I just walked to my bedroom and napped. They disappeared when I went back out for a bowl of cereal. Didn't get much sleep today. That was totally random...

·      

Davis Square, bad sweater dress - m4w - 39 (somerville)

Let's hope her grey sweater dress was intentionally ill-fitting. From craigslist Boston:

Last Thursday. You were wearing a grey sweater dress that was so ill-fitting (your underwear lines made me laugh, but in a good way), that I thought, oh, only a wonderful woman would be so unselfconscious, so brave, as to say I am going to be beautiful in spite of rules and regulations. And you were.

I bought you flowers in traffic - m4w - LA

Romance in the traffic jam. From craigslist Los Angeles:

5:30PM Tuesday April 19th 2011, I let you into traffic in front of me, I was immediately taken by your beauty. You had such a glow about you. A nice girl is hard to find. I'm not the type to be so stricken with butterflies, but I was!! And it just seemed like the right thing to do when I bought you the flowers. My only regret is not putting a note in them after I told the guy to bring them to your car. SHOOT!!! lol, so I leave it up to fate..... my first thought was CL missed connections, hopefully yours is as well. Even if we never meet, or see each other again, I hope you know that you made an impact on me. And that was well worth the cost of the flowers. All the best to you, may your dreams become your reality. ;) In the best of possible outcomes, you might read this, prove to me that it's you, tell me a street that we were on... the ball is in your court now...

Runner wearing a cheeseburger - w4m - 25 (mile 20)

A marathon romance?  Or is it all too cheesy? From craigslist Boston.

Thanks for re-routing yourself to my side of the street to give me a kiss, even though you weren't in Wellesley anymore! Can we make that happen again? But maybe after a first date? Because it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to get to know someone who can look that good in a burger costume.
Nice pace through the Newton Hills, by the way : )

You carried me through the puddle - w4m - 24 (Long Island City)

Old-fashioned chivalry should never be underestimated. From craigslist New York:


We were both descending the stairs at Queensboro Plaza tonight around 10:30pm. You turned to look behind you and for a second we made eye contact. As we continued, there was a huge puddle about half a foot deep of water ahead of us and you turned back to me again. You must have seen my sad face because a second later you offered to carry me through the puddle. Before I could really say anything, you swept me off my feet. I'm in awe and I'd like to meet you again.

You slapped my ass at Pentagon Gallery last night (on 4/16). - m4w - 26

Impatient ass slapping at the Gallery can really inspire a man. From craigslist Chicago:


If you're the short-haired brunette who, on April 16, did just that to a guy, and who then said "sorry, I just need you to move," please respond. We really need to go out for lunch, sometime.

To the mustachioed man on the bike I almost ran over - w4m - 23 (7-11 on Guadalupe)

Running over the man you lust after can put a spoke in any potential relationship. From craigslist Austin:

I am so incredibly sorry. A bunch of my friends were in the car with me and we had just commented about how cool you were bookin' it on your bike with that awesome curlie-cued mustache, and there I went spacing out and forgetting to put on my turn signal or even look to see if anyone was coming. I'm usually very respectful of bicyclists on the road and I felt just awful about almost mowing you down with my 1500-lb death machine. For what it's worth that slide you did to avoid being hit was pretty sick. Keep on being cool and I promise that will never happen again on my part!

Good Lord! Will u dig my ditch? - w4m - 41 (Pompano)

Digging in the dirt can be a mighty turn-on.  From craigslist Austin:

I have never seen you at this place before, but I see you there all the time now. You are outside digging in dirt by a generator or AC unit...AND LOOKIN SO DAMN FINE! You wear a mask and a tank top ( I think ur bald as well...) If you are single...PLEASE LET ME TOUCH THAT SILKY BLACK BODY OF YOURS...YOU ARE TOO DAMNED FINE BOY!!
If you are single and read craigslist, tell me what place your working at.

·     

I Saran Wrapped Your Car Last Night - John I'm Pregnant - m4w - 100 (richmond / seacliff)

As cryptic messages go this is one of the best. From craigslist San Francisco:

I saran wrapped your car last night. 
John, I'm pregnant

Athena goddess of heroic endeavours - Sat - m4w - 28 SOMA / south beach)

Athena makes an appearance in earthly form on craigslist San Francisco:

Of all the places and situations I had to meet you this was one of the last I would have picked. Why couldn't have just stayed as a pretty woman that caught my eye and not turned into a smart, funny, interesting object of my affection and desire. I can't tell you how surprised and pleased I was by the conversation we had and how the setting made it all the more entertaining to be talking about things that seemed lofty and intellectual in that environment. As unlikely as it is, if you happen to read this I think there might be something here between us and I'd like the opportunity to see what that might be. If it makes a difference I can fully accept you being in that place and doing what you want to do, but I can't go visit you there again, as much as the boyish and impulsive part of me wants to.

Banking on love

Is there anything more romantic than a sheet of plate glass between a bank teller and her/his customer?  First we find this from a bank customer on craigslist Washington:

Ok how many deposits do i have to make ?? - m4w - 39 (TD manassas)
My favorite bank teller with the little Black Nissan- starbucks or lunch ??? lmk which one
·
And then this from a teller on craigslist San Diego.

you come in and make deposits - m4w - 30 (encinitas)
You are a tall blonde that comes into my branch and
do the deposits for your company. I just have to tell you that
I think you are gorgeous! If you see this tell me what bank and send a pic!
·       

You were schmering my bagel - w4w - 44 (Berkeley)

Rarely can a cream bagel have seemed more suggestive… From craigslist San Francisco:

You served me at Noah's the other day. The way you glanced at me as you spread that cream cheese on my bagel made my mind wander. I ordered Poppyseed, but baby you made me want an Everything. Your hair is blonde and have skin as smooth and off-white as manila folders. Hopefully I caught your eyeballs when I gave you an extra glance on my way out. Don't worry I'll be back though, if not for the bagels, at least for the cream. Thanks for heatin' up my toaster.

"Catch Me If You Can" and I didn't... - m4m - 28 (Midtown)

Is our theatrical poster making a bit of a drama over this Missed Connection? From craigslist New York:

Thursday night at the preview performance of catch me if you can...the minute I walked into the theatre I saw you and I could not take my eyes off of you. Luck would have it you were sitting in the row in front of me, I know you kept catching me staring at you and I apologize, that was totally ungentlemanly of me...at intermission you asked to sit in the empty seats next to me (i was so taken back by you i totally lost my swagger and lost any cool that I normally have) I sat the entire second act planning what I was going to say to you after the show but you left the minute curtain call finished...now im left making a cl missed connection hoping to catch u like hanratty looking for frank (ouch lol that was lame sorry)
You were wearing a red tshirt, diamond studs in your ear, super short light hair, and a small shopping bag from things i'm assuming you bought earlier...I hope to find you and get to chat with you, I hate myself for not taking the opportunity to talk to you at intermission when my friend went to the bathroom...and now I can't get you out of my head
If by some twist of fate you or someone you know sees this...tell me where your shopping bag was from or some way of letting me know its you...I enjoyed very much enjoying that show with you tonight.

Knox & Onslow (You were getting shot at) - m4w - 20 (Durham)

Why let attempted homicide get in the way of a Missed Connection? From craigslist Raleigh:

So here's the deal. I was sitting in my car on Knox, you were in the middle of the intersection of Knox and Onslow, in a blue-ish green Trailblazer, getting shot at! I didn't see you until you fell out of the front passenger side and laid on the ground like you were fatally wounded. You were a black female, in a colorful blue floral spring dress. The vehicle that was shooting at you, peeled off up Onslow. You quickly got up and back into the suv and drove up Knox past me.

A. I hope you're alright!
B. What the F!
C. I really wish that I was making this up!
D. Guess this is my way of dealing with what I saw...

Puked in your sink - w4w 24 (Brooklyn)

Is this romance sick? From craigslist New York:

I puked in your sink last night and i still feel like a monster. you have the sexiest smile, a super hot bod and killer sense of humor. and all i want is to be on you right now. let's hang tonight?

·

Very sorry about your glasses - w4m - 29 (little miss whiskeys)

How to turn a simple dance into a blind date. From craigslist Washington:

I'm pretty horrified that I broke your glasses. You were lovely about it, but it was probably the most embarrassing dancing mishap ever. Here's to hoping you'll forgive me and at least let me buy you dinner.

Cab Lines

Good to see that Alan Feuer of the New York Times is still turning Missed Connections into poetry by inserting linebreaks and stanzas into real MC posts from craigslist New York. His latest batch in the New York Times involves magic moments in taxis. As Woody Allen once put it: "You're so attractive I can hardly keep my eyes off the meter…" Here's one of Mr Feuer's epics:

Late night Delta flight
We were both on a delayed Delta flight
from Atlanta to LGA on Monday night.
You were in first class, I was in coach
(of all the times to not get an upgrade)!
We were getting off the plane
at the same time
and each tried to let the other go first.
We exchanged smiles
and you went first ...
but then all bets were off. Like a true New Yorker,
you immediately started power walking
through the airport
to be first in the cab line.
As you nearly toppled over some lesser,
southern-dwelling mortals,
I kept up — in equal parts
to admire your feisty-ness
and to not wait in line myself at 12:30 AM.
You were making great time
but were undone by that
most common of airport traps — stairs.
Your suitcase handle wouldn’t go down,
and it gave me time to catch up.
This was a race I didn’t want to win.
I made it to the taxi stand
slightly ahead of you, hoping
we could exchange victory pointers
while in line. One problem —
there was no line,
and we went our separate ways. Since you were briefly
still standing there,
the cab driver asked me
if we were together.
I told him no, but that
if he knew you he should definitely
give me a heads up.
He told me back,
"I always get the crazy ones"
and muttered at me in another language. You were wearing a gray shirt and jeans,
have a beautiful smile
and excellent foot speed.
I am extremely efficient
at retracting suitcase handles.
I sense potential. If you see this,
perhaps
we could get together again,
sans luggage?
I’ll race you there.

Jen The Designer w/ glasses reading the new Paris Review on the G - m4w - 27 (G train btwn Court Square and Greenpoint)

Less a Missed Connection and more a whole relationship in one brief encounter! From craigslist New York:

Jen, you had glasses, and cute little braids in your black hair,
and were probably coming home from work and were
reading the new issue of the Paris Review (!!!)

We talked about the Joshua Cohen story and the Q & A between
him and Moe Tcacik posted on the Paris Review website. You were excited
about Bolano.

We talked about the new editor of the Paris Review Lorin Stein. About the debacle
with all the previously solicited poetry that was accepted getting tossed out. I can't believe you knew about that!
You must be a lit world person, I said (snob)
No, I'm a designer, you said.

I said Joshua Cohen's fiction sucks but his essays in Harper's are OK.

I work in lit world.
I'm better looking than Roberto Bolano at least after he got cancer.

I want to take you out but forgot, as the doors were closing, to ask for your number.

Find this and email me and tell me something about our brief talk, so I can be
sure it's Jen-from-G-train and not some freaky impostor!

A parrot on your arm and a beer can in your face - m4w-28 (Austin)

Sometimes Missed Connections are fascinatingly cryptic, such as this brief post on craigslist Austin, What went on with the parrot and the beer can? All that accompanies this intriguing picture is a simple message:

I'd like to see you again.

I closed the gas cap on your BMW - m4w - 28 (grand/lejune and us1)

Love is a full tank of gas… From craigslist Miami:

This is crazy but I saw you pumping gas today and you caught my eye. As I walked out of the gas station I noticed that your gas cap was open, so I ran over to your window. You almost ran over my foot, but you finally noticed me and let me close it for you. Somehow, about ten minutes later I ended up behind you on us1 and we seemed to be following each others moves for a while. We followed each other all the way to South Miami, and it seemed like you pulled down a side street so we could talk. Unfortunately, I didn't turn and I am still kicking myself for it. I drove around looking for the U sticker on your car, for about 20 minutes, but I couldn't find you. I remember what you were wearing, so if you read this please respond with your outfit. This would be an incredible story.

You asked me to marry you in the middle of 6th street at 2 AM - w4m - 22 (sxsw)

Sometimes a drunken marriage proposal at 2am to a woman you've never met before really can work. From craigslist Austin:

You asked me to marry you in the middle of 6th street at 2am. You said you had just moved here from LA and thought all the austin women were beautiful. You really wanted me to hear your drunken proposal, But i was so tired i just wanted to get home. I'm not sure if you were just trying to pick up girls, But i regretted not giving you my number my whole way home.

We witnessed snot rockets on the 21 hayes - m4w (hayes valley)

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind. It's amazing what some people can bond over. From craigslist San Francisco:

After watching a heroic display of snot rocketing into his hand and then wiping it on a 21 hayes muni pole, we discussed the wonderful sights and sounds of the muni experience. would you care to exchange other heavenly public transportation stories over a drink sometime? I'll even bring tissues in case one of us, or someone from the general public, needs to blow their nose.

Standing on your head - Tuesday night -m4m (a downtown DC gym)

Love can turn you upside down. This could be the beginning of a weighty affair. From craigslist Washington.

Saw you standing on your head tonight at the gym. Nice abs.
I'm the same guy who ran into you at the metro station off of 18th a month or two back. Obviously I was there tonight. I was working out in front of you while you were using that strange dips contraption, which I was rudely sitting on when you first approached. Let's get drinks. Gonna switch gyms soon, so if interested feel free to reply.

Wrong blind date at Oyamel... - m4w

Is a double blind date a blind blind date? Another MC that would make a great opening for a film. From craigslist Washinton.

For the five minutes or so before we realized we were both on the wrong blind date I thought we had fun. Although the only things I know about you now are your name and that you teach in Virginia. Anyway, I figured it was worth a shot. Even if I never see you again it's a pretty hilarious story!

The drink I would have on my death bed - w4m (malden)

Now there's a conversation opener. From craigslist Boston.

Complete long shot here...u came in today w your friend who's a bartender. You both had asked me what would I drink I would want if I was on my deathbed....haha. so I made it for you guys.....stayed and chatted a bit. You should've chatted with me more...I didn't know until after you had left that you were asking about me. Don't be a stranger...stop in again....long shot on you seeing this I'm sure....but still worth a try. :)

You Smelled My Chicken on the Elevator - m4w - 33 (Hollywood)

To paraphrase Woody Allen:  "You're so attractive I can hardly keep eyes off your fried chicken..." From craigslist Los Angeles.


You Smelled My Chicken on the Elevator
Sometimes you feel like you know someone.
And that's how I felt when we spoke.
More than words.
There was something very present. 
Hope we're on again.

Sixteen Clementines - w4w - 24 (SAIC student lounge)

The aphrodisiac effect created by large-scale orange consumption can be quite something in the student lounge. Could be a fruitful relationship. From craigslist Chicago.

On the couch facing the lake on the 14th floor lounge you were eating lunch and I swear you ate at least sixteen Clementines, the whole lounge smelled like citrus, even after you left.

A Confederacy of Dunces on Buses - m4w (Center City)

Like minds bond over a cult classic. From craigslist Philadelphia:

We were both reading A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole on the 40 Bus today (March 8) heading to University City. It was as if the Wheel of Fortune had spun my way. I neglected to ask your name and whether you would like to meet for coffee to talk about the book. That was a missed connection. You had curly hair and coffee. It was nice talking with you. Enjoy the read!

Melinda i delivered crutches to you! - m4w - 33 (shorewood)

Not jumping into a relationship with both feet, more a case of hobbling into the arms of Mr Medical Supplies Man. From craigslist Chicago:

I work for medical supply company. I delivered a pair of crutches to you because you were gonna have knee surgery in a week or so. I was so taken by your looks and your personality was killer! If by some miracle you see this, please respond and let me know what company I work for so I know it is you. Maybe we can hang out?

Tater tot lady admiring ketchup ridden pads - m4w - 24 (East Village)

Some food snob brunettes have very strange seduction rituals…  from Craigslist New York.

Firstly, thank you to the creative minds who placed 3 feminine pads smeared with ketchup on 3 bikes on St. Marks, it was quite amusing when we all stumbled upon them. You were with your friends, eating tater tots also smeared with ketchup. I was hesitant to eat your tots, you gave me a fake name that started with a S. Your a food snob brunette in her 20's who indulges on "Eat me out" tots. Please send me pictures of my friend and I posing with the bikes!

I love a m/w in a uniform

There's something about uniforms that gets Missed Connections posters all heated up. Take this post on craigslist Chicago from a woman whom you can almost see hyper-ventilating as she glimpses some good looking cops:

Algonquin Cops - w4m - 36 (Algonquin/rt. 31 to/from dundee)
Hello Algonquin police officers! Ya'all're battin' 1000 with hottie officers! Ya'all were out in full force on Thurs. keeping rte 31 safe (and slow) and it just made me sooooooo happy to see you seksi men out there, so powerful, so in control.....and OMG to the officer who pulled over a sedan traveling SB on 31 (around noon-ish), I could spend a lifetime worshiping your shoulders!
thank you all for being so damn good looking! (and even though on of you hotties gave me a ticket 4 months ago....I still think you're hot!)

While the combination of a nurse's uniform, a caring profession and a great big needle saw this typhoid-free male on craigslist Vancouver get totally hooked on his medication:

Nurses and typhoid fever - m4w - 36 (Langley)
No, I don't have it - but you gave me a shot today for it. I don't go to the doctor's much, but maybe I should start? :) I didn't see a ring... forgot to look actually. I know it's a long shot, but tell me the prescription you gave me so I know it's you.

This Ms Conductor on the regional rail line clearly impressed with the her ticket inspecting skills on craigslist Philadelphia:

Ms. Conductor take my ticket please - w4w - 35 (Regional Rail Line )
now and then i catch your glance my way
you are very attractive ~ give me a chance if
you're into women. say hello or g'bye :
-) i might have to hop the train with you one
night. lost doesn't matter if i find myself with you! 
if you should happen to read this tell me:
what time the train gets to 30th st & where it goes. 

And it's nice to know that all that passion is sometimes reciprocated from those in uniform. Take this post from a cop on craigslist Los Angeles:

This is the cop that laughed at you singing in the car on the 5 fwy - m4w - 31 (5 freeway in SFV)
I saw you, a petite, cute Latina, singing away by yourself in your car. You caught me watching you (partly in a trance of your beauty, partly amused by your animated singing). You had an embarrassed smile, but seemed flirtations when I shrugged and winked back. I should have motioned for you to get off the free way to exchange numbers, but didn't want to scare you and make you think you were getting pulled over. Before I could make a decision, we went different ways at the interchange...
Anyway, you seemed flirtatious and interested. If you read this, and want to meet up, I would love to…

Cops, firemen, soldiers, nurses, ticket inspectors, all can be found on MC. It's seemingly a uniform desire of the misconnected…

I fell in love at Walmart! - m4w 39 (DFW)

It's amazing what you can learn from someone's shopping basket in Walmart… From craigslist Dallas.

OK - so it wasn't love...it wasn't even lust...
Today I was in Walmart getting groceries for this beautiful week ahead (not so much on this humid day today), when I saw her:
Athletic (but not a jock), hair in a pony tail, a curvy, womanly body...pretty smile...dark, seductive eyes....
This is where I have to tell the truth..the woman above it LIKE someone I saw at Walmart today...but really it's just the kind of woman that turns my head...
Now for the things I don't know (but hope you are) from seeing you out shopping:
Smart
Funny
Goal-oriented
Playful
Texter
Flirty
Open
Honest
If you are some combination of the above, then I would love to get to know you. Bonus points for pics of you, and double bonus points if you can tell me who Texas (Longhorns) lost to in basketball yesterday...

Hope to hear from you soon!

Pike bar scene ... Silver Civic Savior - m4w - 25 (long beach)

You finish that last G and T and find yourself driven home by a guardian angel at 4.30am. The sort of thing that might easily happen to Don Draper in Mad Men. From craigslist Los Angeles.

I am indebted to the individual who placed me in silver civic on the last Friday of Feb. My last recollection was finishing a g+t at the bar. 0430 that morning woke up in said car with all my affairs seemingly in order and a couple blocks from apartment.

I have not seen the car, nor would I be able to 100% verify it was same civic...
Anyhow, if this story sounds familiar shoot me an email. Let me know what was in the backseat w/me that night. Rescuer deserves a round if not a bottle of the topshelf.

Sweet! Thanks for any clarity in advance…

Young Blond Woman at my Wedding - w4w - 24 (Northwest)

Infidelity is sometimes made blindingly obvious on Missed Connections. Take this all-time classic from craiglist Portland. Might your wedding be a little early in the day to start hitting on a cute blond?

 To the young blond woman who kept staring at me at my wedding, I felt a connection with you too. When you came to the reception and whispered those naughty words into my ear, I must of turned beet red. I am now back from my honeymoon and would like to connect with you, but I don't even know your name. Please contact me soon.

Similarly, on craigslist Austin this man at the STD clinic may not have led an absolutely chaste life, but it doesn’t stop his optimism triumphing over experience and hitting on the girl in the queue at the STD clinic who might have had similar problems on the infidelity front.

STD clinic this morning-white tanktop - m4w - 30 (Austin STD clinic)
you have dark curly hair, you're slim, you were wearing a white tank top and blue jeans. I was seated in front of you, facing you and I was wearing all black, had a coffee and a magazine in my hand. I'm a fool for not introducing myself to you...if you find this shoot me an email

My foot is fine, but you left a construction boot mark on my shoe - w4m

Tread softly, for you are treading on my dreams… From craigslist Ottawa.

You stepped on my foot and well, you left a mark on my shoe. Anyways, just letting you know that you're quite handsome with your blue eyes. Tthis happened yesterday, Tuesday Feb. 22nd. Location: 95 toward dt (around 9:30pm)

You served me papers today :-P - m4w - 30 (Aurora)

Proof that love can be a matter of life and debt. From craigslist Denver.

You waited for me to get home and served some papers to me because my ex didn't pay her bills lol. I wanted to ask you out, but damn that's an awkward situation haha!! Hmmm is Cl less awkward? Probably not, but whatevs :-)

Hit me up!

We got married last night? - m4w - 37

This could be a scene from the movie Hangover… From craiglist Portland

I met you at a bar last night and we had a few drinks...
me: handsome, good looking guy, wearing a $3000 suit, a magician.
you: blonde or brunette or something, big cans.
things got a little wild and we started daring each other to do some crazy stuff, you dared me to ride in a shopping cart down hill... I dared you to rob a gas station.
i think we got married

Your name was... Crindy? reply with my initials if you remember this.
p.s. we totally consummated it

The guy that slept on my couch - w4m - 21 (sunset )

Like shoes that pass in the night… From craigslist Las Vegas

So....I don't know who you are or why you were there. But when I got
Home last night you were asleep on my couch. And looked like you
Were having a "nice" dream about pitching a tent or something.

Anyway my roomate thinks I'm crazy and she says she didn't
Have anyone over. But you left your shoes....weird I know

Well if you slept on some chicks couch last night and want your
Shoes back or want to kick it let me know.

Maybe next time you can sleep on a bed...

Last night on top of the train - m4w - 23 (Some bar in CH)

Love is like a train, it moves too fast. Sounds like quite a night… From craigslist Raleigh

We met, danced, drank, laughed, kissed, climbed on top of the train and got yelled at. I'm glad I met you to remind me there is real women still out there, even ones who study epidemiology! I hope to one day run into you again.

You said you planned on dyeing your underwear. - m4m - 23 (starbucks - vancouver, wa)

From craigslist Portland. A possible romance to dye for begins in Starbucks…

You came through the starbucks drive-thru tonight and we were being chatty (/maybe a little flirty?) while your drink was being made. When I asked what you were up to, you showed me a packet of blue dye and said you couldn't handle how much those white underwear look like diapers.

I like that you polled your facebook friends to pick the new color for your undies, and I really like that you're the sort of person who thinks all of that is perfectly appropriate conversation to be making with the person who's taking your money and handing you coffee - the person who doesn't know your name, and now regrets not asking for it.

You made my evening. I'd love to buy you a drink sometime - coffee or otherwise. Tell me what you were drinking tonight and I'll tell you my number.

You farted in Whole Foods - m4w - 30 (Boston)

From craigslist Boston. All that wholefood fibre can result in both unexpected flatulence and romance…

You were the tall brunette with the near-perfect body who farted in the bread section last night. I was the tall guy next to you who asked, "Was that you?" You quickly replied, "No! Wasn't me" and almost seemed insulted I would ask. As the stink grew, you continued to deny the flatulence, but it was evident. 

I tried to get rid of the stench by waving two loaves of ciabatta bread. You stormed off in an angry huff. You are beautiful, and even if you're a liar and fart like a Clydesdale, I'd love to meet up sometime.

·      

Your eyepatch inspires me - 24 (Portland)

From craigslist Portland. There's more to this than meets the eye…

You were leaving Henry's. As you turned your head to check both ways before crossing the street (keeping it safe :brownie points), I couldn't help but notice your stunning eye patch. You see, I too am missing an eye! You have inspired a whole new me! My brand-spanking new eye patch is truly a thing to behold, and that is why I was hoping you would be interested in sitting down to dinner with me, so we can admire each other's taste in functional accessories.

I am not in town much (live in the Boston area), but I would love to treat you to dinner and a movie. Perhaps if you are in New England we could take a jaunt in the woods, hit up a beer festival, maybe play some paintball? Really, the sky's the limit when it comes to the fun times we could have in each other's company: all you need do is message me with your ideal date, and *poof*, it will magically assemble itself :-) 

P.S: Hope you like trout and clams ! Fond regards,

The B. Bear.

Shitting at Walmart - m4w - 33 (Cincinnati Oh)

From craigslist Cincinnati. I'm lost for words…

Me: sitting in the car at the Ft.wright Walmart waiting for my buddy to grab the beer.
You: slipped between the dodge ram and the prius and took a shit in the parking lot.

I guess you didn't see me.... but if you get this < hit me up. that was pretty fuckin hot. i didnt think chicks did that stuff......wow

Missed Connections buzzwords

Nice piece from The Mission blog in San Francisco on the most popular words used in MC posts. Bridget Huber searched through Craigslist San Francisco's Missed Connections for the last two months to see which keywords were most often used.

Eyes (more than 40 mentions) and hair (30 mentions) were the most popular physical features while the word 'smile' appeared in 34 posts. Other buzzwords included glasses (16 times), tattoos (9), hoodies (9), dresses (6), beards (5) beanie (5) and ass (3).

Unsurprisingly speech impediment, compost and a centaur were all mentioned only once! Computers notched just four mentions, so tough luck geeks.

BART was the best place to get a missed connection (15 posts) while other MC hotspots included 16th Street (11), Mission Street (11) and Valencia (8).

Ah, but did any one post mention a person in glasses, with tattoos and a beard wearing a beanie and a dress with a cute ass who resembled a centaur?

I'm the girl that ripped the Picasso at the Met - w4m (New York)

Let's hope no-one bumps into any of Sophie Blackall's Missed Connections paintings at the Love in Transit Valentine's Day Missed Connections Party at the New York Transit Museum tonight.  But if they do it reminds me of one of my favourite Missed Connectons from craigslist New York last year…

I'm the girl that ripped the Picasso at the Met - w4m
This was on Friday at the Met. I remember you from the elevator when we were going from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor. You were the guy wearing the red sweater...

I held the door open for you and you smiled at me. I saw you again in the Cubism section. I was standing in front of The Actor painting by Picasso. You were looking at Matisse's "View of Collioure and the Sea". You were standing there for a while, sketching in a brown notebook. I was about to approach you, but froze up and ended up tripping and falling into the painting leaving a small tear. I think you left before the security got there.

If you read about this in the news the next day, I'm the girl from the elevator.

You ran me over today / Silver VW Beetle Convertible (NW Quimby)

Proof that love can be a hit and run affair from craigslist Portland…

I wasn't paying attention and walked out into the street.
You hit me. Silver VW Beetle convertible.
I survived.
You were startled. And enchanting and gorgeous.
I need to see you again.

Sophie Blackall's art of Missed Connections

Every Missed Connections posting on craigslist paints a mental picture of unlikely trysts. New York artist Sophie Blackall has turned those images into art on her blog missedconnectionsny. Ever wondered what “Tree with legs: Nice pants. I'd like to see more of you... BTW, your dog winked at me” might have looked like? Well, Blackall has drawn the whole scene, of a man carrying a tree on his back complete with winking dog.

Similarly “Furry arms in morning lecture” inspires a funny image of the aforesaid hirsute male student. While the posting “Floral pink jacket on the L -m4w - 26 (Union Square) Can I buy you a drink? -Buffalo plaid jacket” inspires an image of two entwined disembodied jackets.

Blackall, who works full-time as a children’s book illustrator, told the New York Times about her MC addiction: “I got completely sucked in. I lost about two hours of my life reading them and thought this is just an extraordinary mine of material, ranging from the lyrical, poetic to unintentionally hilarious. Many of them threw out ideas for images to me right away.”

Her work manages to be both touching and amusing, not to mention beautiful. Do check it out.

Dog bite! - w4m - 28 (North Chicago)

Love bites can take the most unusual form… from craiglist chicago:

Hello, stranger. I was walking my dog on Saturday and bumped into you, well, my dog's mouth bumped into your face to be exact. He didn't mean to do any harm- was just trying to say hello. Thanks for being so understanding (and handsome!). I feel like we shared a moment. Want to grab a cup of coffee and review my dog's vaccination records? Hope to hear from you.

You helped me aim while I peed in the snowbank last night — m4w (outside that bar)

From craigslist Chicago comes proof that snow (and indeed peeing in snow) is not necessarily a deterrent to the romantically inclined after a few drinks:

You gave me a hand and wanted to help me aim. You were too drunk to write your initials; it came out more like a Jackson Pollock. So we celebrated that. I'm glad no cops or snow plows happened by right then! I was wearing a USMC hoodie and snowpants -- what were you wearing? I reckon I'd like to meet you again.

You hit your head on the subway pole - m4w - 26 (Lorimer/metropolitan)

As if to illustrate the aptness of the New York Transit Museum's Missed Connections Party on Valentine's Day we find on craigslist New York a tale of pole bumping and cold beer maybe leading to heads that bump in the night…

Well these are some long odds, but you hit your head on the subway pole at the Lorimer station, and I gave you a beer to ice your forehead with. Don't know if you'll find this, but I wanted to ask you for your phone number, but my stop came up too fast. 
Michael

Love in Transit: Missed Connections Valentine's Day party at the New York Transit Museum

Find your Missed Connection on Valentine’s Day at the New York Transit Museum's Missed Connections "Love in Transit" Party, on Feb 14, 6-8pm. The most uplifting event of the year is free and open to all lovers of craigslist’s Missed Connections.

Star attractions include New York Times' writer Alan Feuer reading his 'poems' found in Missed Connections and artist Sophie Blackall, creator of the super blog missedconnectionsny exhibiting her wonderful Missed Connections-inspired paintings. These include “Black Dress, D Train” and “I Gave You My Umbrella but the Wrong Directions”.  She's made a special artwork for the event (see above). Framed prints of her work will be available to buy.

The setting is ideal for furtive glances and chance encouters, since the museum’s mezzanine level is underground in a decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn Heights. Party-goers will wonder why they didn’t ask for his/her cell number in the authentic location of the platform-long display of vintage subway cars.

It could certainly lead to some interesting MC entries the following week. Something like:

“Goddess in red dress carrying Sophie Blackall print. Missed you at the Missed Connections party after I spilled my drink over you during Alan Fueur’s first poem and I retreated into the subway carriage exhibit with my chocolate subway token…”

Plus live music from MUNY artists Left on Red and Heidi Cole, cheese, wine, beer from Brooklyn Brewery and chocolate subway tokens from 5th Avenue Chocolatiere.

Could be a first date you'll always remember…

New York Transit Museum, corner of Boerum Pl & Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn Heights.

Wanted: Person to rob house so CSI girl will come back - m4w - 32

This post might read like a "Wanted" ad from the personals but was, in fact, posted among the Missed Connections on craigslist San Francisco by a lovestruck burglary victim seeking to re-connect with the CSI gal who came to investigate the burglary:

Wanted: Person of questionable character to rob my place of residence near the corner of Cole and Waller. Best if you don't have current record on file as the goal is for CSI to come back and check for prints.

Girl from CSI who came by: Sorry if I couldn't keep the stupid grin off my face, I didn't expect you to be so beautiful. The older gentlemen and the woman on your team definitely noticed my enthusiasm to re-enact the crime for you. I found more things besides the bicycle that the thief ran off in the middle of the night may have touched (or can pretend to). Perhaps you can come back to check then maybe drinks?

James...The one who crotch-planted into a closing subway door - w4m - 28 (Train)

Proof that nearly losing your manhood in a subway door is no bar to romantic success… Found on craigslist New York:

Your name is James. You are a teacher. My name is Cody. And you so elegantly slid into the closing subway door at 14th street. Everyone thought you died. Including myself. You sat next to me, I couldn't stop laughing for a good 10 minutes, and I finally decided to ask you how you were, and we chatted till I got off at Atlantic.

Had I had a few moments longer on the train with you- I would have grown a pair and asked you to grab a drink - celebrating the fact you were still alive... But my stop came before I could. Sorry, new train friend. Never done a missed connection on here before- but I thought this random, most hilarious situation warranted one...

If you are randomly out there and read this... let's grab a drink!

Poetic connections...or, "Jesus in red shoes": Missed Connections as "found poetry"

Missed Connections "poetry" is growing into something of a cult thanks to the work of New York Times' writer Alan Feuer. He trawls the Missed Connections section of craigslist New York and publishes the best ads verbatim, merely adding line and stanza breaks and billing the result as "found poetry". He even uses the ad's heading as the title of each "poem".

It’s a game anyone can play – and more should. Indeed, Feuer should be hitting the poetry circuit and giving readings of his work, since what’s striking about his Missed Connections "poems" is... well, how much better they are than most modern poetry.

After all, we know what they’re talking about; they’re not just written to impress other poets, and hey, love is a universal theme.

One of Feuer's latest MC poems found on craigslist reads as follows:

nanny, mother, kidnapper?
3rd times a charm? oh you
with your cute little moccasins
and lazy day stroll. holding a baby of sorts.
maybe its yours
or maybe its just your job
to be awesome
and carry around babies?
either way i think you are
quite cute and im glad i was able
to squeeze out a “hey”
while caring for an old golden retriever
and trying to tame a CRAZY little pug!
want to make an ambient drone
sound track for an 8mm film,
put together a dinosaur puzzle
and eat hummus & onion pita bread? you KNOW you do!

The following MC post, headlined “Jesus in red shoes”, comes from craigslist Portland. It might make a good video with Brad Pitt as Jesus, and definitely deserves to be immortalized in verse:

JESUS IN RED SHOES
You - bearded man with sandy brown hair
and kind eyes. Red sneakers and a blue sweater.
Me - quiet brunette wearing a hat
and all in black.
You were such a gentleman
and let me board the bus before you.
Then you proceeded to chat
with a crazy old lady
about her life drama and such.
I'm sure it made her day lol.
You mentioned cutting your hair
for locks of love as well,
I thought that was really sweet.
When we came to your stop
the way you thanked the driver
was unique and genuine.
I thought you were such a nice person,
you MUST be Jesus
Lol jk

We were handcuffed together to see the Judge… w4w

Love can strike in the most unlikely settings. A reminder of this came in a recent MC post from craigslist New York: 

“If you were the anesthesiologist that put me under – I would like to see you in a social setting.”

Another relationship that could run and run was first aired on craigslist Houston:

“Started the marathon together and then I lost you! You were in better shape than me! Couldn’t find you at the finish!”

Or, to put it another way… “Remember me, I was the one gasping for air and caked with dried salt.”

But my all-time favourite has to be this entry about an encounter from craigslist Chicago:

“STD clinic this morning-white tanktop – you have dark curly hair, you're slim, you were wearing a white tank top and blue jeans. I was seated in front of you, facing you and I was wearing all black, had a coffee and a magazine in my hand. I'm a fool for not introducing myself to you...”

Such boundless hope in such unpromising circumstances represents a triumph of the human spirit over sexual adversity.

And just to prove that no setting is out of bounds for love, try this from craigslist Austin:

“We were handcuffed together to see the judge - w4w (Travis County Jail). We were in on very similar accounts. I just hope everything worked out for you as well as it did for me. My fingers are crossed for you, girl.”

Hmm. Maybe she’ll get in touch on her cell.

You were checking out my brain... w4m...

Here's more evidence of love beating cognitive science. From craigslist Montreal comes a tale of a true connection for one lucky woman underneath the machine that goes bleep... And it's possibly the first time the word "vajazzle" (for the uninitiated that's a crystal-encrusted pubic area) has ever been mentioned in a medical study...

You were checking out my brain... w4m… but literally, because you were performing an MRI study... me: had to remove a nose ring and (probably obviously) wanted to make a joke about vajazzles and MRI machines. you: glasses, unsure of the difference between psychology and cognitive science, You seem nice. I'd love to chat about the study/anything else/everything else.

"Girl with the golden leggings... and a pheasant strapped to her head"

Who needs screenwriters? Hollywood simply has to trawl Missed Connections for its story-lines and opening shots.

Try this MC post from craigslist San Francisco.  Location, costumes, character, cast, all are there:

“Dear Girl with the gold leggings, fancy bike, and pheasant strapped to her head, I saw you at 24th and Valencia today. We walked by each other while you were with your dolled up friends. We smiled at each other and it was nice. You've got a nice smile! Anyway, you're doin' it big, Girl! Well played. Let's hang out and you can listen to all my self deprecating jokes. I'm a really terrible person so there are a lot of them.”

That golden girl with a pheasant strapped to her head is surely kooky with a capital 'K'. Think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Melanie Griffith in Something Wild. The plot might lead to a hotel romance or a road movie; it’s the director’s choice.

And here’s another one from New York craigslist: “Guy walking on Madison with teapot and book - w4m - 20 (Midtown). You were so great. seemed like you would be a really great human. I wish when I saw you I didn't have rain splattered on my glasses. We were around 40th and Madison. anyway, you probably don't even remember me , but just know you have an admirer. Keep carrying tea pots and reading books! oh, and write to me if you feel like it.”

... It could be a scene from an early Woody Allen movie. Cue opening credits as a bookish man with a bent for carrying tea-pots on Madison (maybe an eccentric Brit or an NYU postgrad?) meeting a literary but klutzy girl with rain splattered on her glasses.