Missed Connections

Lately strangers have been being extra nice to me. It's increased so much that I've mentioned it to a number of friends, and a few people have even pointed it out to me. I really think it's my new hair (LOL). I've had a few requests to touch my hair (seriously) -- mostly from drunk men -- but I've also been told I have a generally positive/happy aura around me that attracts all types of people (yay!). In any case, one stranger in particular really struck me recently. I was waiting at a bar for a friend and reading from my kindle as I sipped on a beer. He sat a few spots down from me, suddenly asked what I was drinking, then ordered the same thing. I continued reading and tried my best not to get annoyed when he interrupted me every minute or so with another comment or question. Eventually I gave up reading and he asked if he could move down a few seats next to me. I said sure, and we spent the next 45 minutes or so talking. He was one of the most interesting people I've met recently (an astrophysicist from Colombia). He had a lot of strong opinions and we, surprisingly easily, fell into great, fluid conversation.

Eventually my friend came and I panicked when I realized what time it was (we had strict reservations). I paid and we got out of there quickly. It was an awkward shuffle. I felt like I wanted to give him my business card (I don't know why that would have been appropriate) but the moment passed and I left.

I didn't think much about it afterwards. It wasn't until I was telling a friend about the dinner that I mentioned the man I met earlier. She told me I should try to find him -- after all I knew his first name, his job, and the university where he worked. I decided not to look for him. What was I going to do if I found him? Call him up and say, "Hey! I stalked you and here I am!" No. Not happening.

Instead, I turned to good old Craigslist and posted my very first "missed connection."

I wrote something normal. I didn't really know what I wanted out of this. I knew I didn't want a date or anything, but it's not too often that you click with strangers so easily. Here's what I wrote (Xs included for privacy or something):

This is crazy! I am 99% sure you won't see this, but here goes!

We were both sitting at the XXXX bar last night around 5 pm. You were really nice and I enjoyed talking to you about our books, jobs (you work at XXXX, I for a nonprofit), etc. My friend showed up and we had to rush out for dinner so we didn't exchange contact information. You seemed really friendly and interesting, I'd love to meet up for another beer!

Well, to cut this story short, my mystery man did not respond. But a few others did...

At least I got some entertainment out of it? In any case, I caved, did some googling, and found out his last name. Should I contact him, or just let it go as a forever missed connection??

In honor of the Rangers being in the Stanley Cup playoffs this year, let's quote The Great One:

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Man, do I miss The Office

I don't think I will...but maybe I will surprise myself...!