I am looking for a man that I had a brief moment with at a New Year's Eve party many years ago. We were at a house party in Bedford where he played the bagpipes. We watched each other all night, or at least I think we did. We were never introduced. He hugged me when he was leaving, asked me to leave with him. I was married, and even though I wanted to, I couldn't leave. I have always thought of you. I'm not married any more. I still think about you. Maybe you still remember me? Many years later? Thought I would try...positive thoughts!
—Long Lost

Dancing to Fleetwood Mac, we chatted about your cool world tattoo and our love of the band and our mutual friend. Bass player is your cousin and I was rockin’ a moustache. Our moment was ruined by a drunk guy, and you had to leave. We should talk again.
—Dancefloor Smitten

We met a while ago when I was home for a visit. I didn't know then that I'd become so smitten with you over the months to come. Although we live in different places, I keep hoping you'll give this a real try.
—Your Sarcastic Toronto Friend

It was a Saturday at Pete’s in the afternoon, and I was awkwardly holding a bag of nuts and talking to my friend. You have long red hair and you were wearing a cream-coloured coat. You walked by, and we shared a smile, and a little laugh. I think you’re super-beautiful. I’m the woman with short curly brown hair and glasses.
—Feminist Killjoy

To the very handsome and friendly firefighter (white uniform) whom I was chatting with in line at Superstore late morning on a Tuesday: I am sure you have a lovely wife. On the off chance that you do not, I am very single. If I missed an opportunity, maybe the universe will find a way for us to meet again?
—I Love A Man In Uniform

I really enjoyed talking with you over the last few days, A. I had planned to ask you out today but was disappointed to see you’d disappeared (one of the many cons of today’s dating culture). If I see you around, I shall bite the bullet and risk asking. Happy summer!

If you read this and Georgia is on your mind, this is for you.
—G

I saw you at the most recent HomeBass. You were dressed in green neon and grooving effortlessly on the dance floor. I took your cool neon sunglasses and you slapped me for it. I think I fell in love right then and there. I hope I see your red hair at another event, you're truly something special.—Not cool enough for you

I’ll write this here, since things are over now.

You weren’t perfect, you weren’t for me, you were many things that I despise—and often, you treated me horribly. Yet, I still loved you as a person. As someone I felt I had known in a past life. I would have put up with the one text every six months if it meant still getting to know you. But, you never tried to understand me or go deeper. Even though I was at first devastated, I’m glad we have ended and I can finally move on without questioning our standing.

If we ever pass on the street, I probably won’t look your way. But please know that I will always think the world of you and see the best in you, even when you hate yourself. You’re not as bad as you make yourself out to be.
—You're so cool

We’ve shared friendly glances on several occasions. You, a guy with long-ish brown hair (usually in ballcap), very unique style and a nice energy about you. Me, short brown hair, either running or driving (hint: white car). Anyway, I would like to turn the shy glances into actual conversation. Hopefully you read The Coast—most millennials do…right?
—femme fatale

We met online which was weird for me. First date = super awkward. I was really nervous. You're older than me and so worldly and experienced, and I felt a bit intimidated. I felt like I was pretending to be cooler than I am. But I quickly felt more comfortable with you, and we talked about our travels and told stories and laughed a lot and you thought it was cute that I say "shoot" and "darn." We agreed to hang out again. I've been thinking about you a lot but I'm really shy when it comes to guys. If you see this, please make the next move... —Non-drinking, non-smoking, non-swearing