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

Perhaps it just wasn't meant to be, but I lost my cell phone on Saturday night. I had no way to contact you about meeting or not meeting on Sunday evening since we have only ever communicated over that dating app. When I cancelled the first time I really was sick, and I really wanted to meet you on Sunday, but there was no plan so I didn't know what to do. When I got my phone back on Tuesday - from a weird nook in my car - I opened the app to message you only to discover you had unmatched me. I cannot blame you for doing so, you must think I'm an awful person and to be honest I feel like one. You seem like a great guy and I am devastated that I made such an awful impression and did not meet up with you. Maybe one day it will be in the stars and we'll meet the old fashioned way and not over an app. I'm truly sorry, and should we ever cross paths I hope you don't try and sick your bear on me without at least hearing me out. —Curly Haired Date Ditcher

Thank you again to the angelic women who (First held the door for me...) then jammed a fist full of coins into the turnstile at Alderny Landing today when the guy claimed I didn't pay 2.50 (I did...) then admitted he had no idea how much I had paid... I was returning from my friend's funeral with many miles to go and wasn't in a state of mind to defend myself; or thank you properly afterwards. You saved the day. —Some guy

To the guy at the back of the number 14 bus, Thursday afternoon. That was really cool of you to sit and listen to some random guy telling you his all of his problems and rambling on about his life. It was obvious that it was a conversation that you were not interested in having, but you handled it like a red-headed king. Instead of awkwardly moving (potentially causing a scene with guy’s reaction), or telling him off, you simply nodded your head politely and randomly throwing out a “yea” while clearly hoping he'd get the hint as you stared at your phone. It was evident the guy had some mental health issues and I bet your sandwich suggestion before getting off the bus lightened his mood for a moment. —Fellow Passenger

Every shift I share with you is always amazing. When you smile my heart always skips a few beats. I have a weakness for you and everything about you. Your laughter, your jokes. There is not one thing about you that I don't find completely intoxicating and enthralling.

Your eyes are such a pale, gorgeous blue that reminds me of the Caribbean Sea. You have absolutely no idea how gorgeous and amazing you are. I wish I could have the chance to show you just how beautiful I think you are but alas, I will have to settle for adoring you from the other side of the line.

I hope the lucky man who finally steals your heart treats you like the absolute Goddess you deserve to be treated as. I would sell my soul to be him for a night. I just wish I could find out how you felt. I'm not sure why it matters as it's wrong but I really wish I knew. —Just a couple of dorks ;p

I feel like I should say this more often: thank you. Thank you for putting up with my mood swings. Sometimes when I'm short or unsociable, I just need to be a bit of a recluse in an effort to recharge, but that doesn't mean I don't adore you both or love our living arrangement. I woke up this morning in our beautiful, sunshine-drenched apartment and felt extremely grateful. —M

Despite the messy love triangle, I had so much fun getting to know you. I knew I wanted to date you as soon as we met and that feeling remains. It sucks that we weren't able to give it a real shot but I do believe its for the best. I also believe we will have another shot at me & you one day.. sans ex-lovers. And it's going to be great. —Disappointed but hopeful

Dear friends at the upstairs of a popular establishment, enjoying the opportunity to immerse themselves in written words and good drink: I’m sorry. I’m sorry because, whether you could see it or not, our intentions weren’t pure. I left feeling we had done you all an injustice and that we were unkind. I go to these places not because I can’t do what we were all there to do at home, but I want to be in the community. I want to connect with people. I love you all. The way you are. —Small Girl, Big Heart

Back in early February, as you swung round the corner onto my street to come face to face with me as I tossed the last shovelful of snow out of my driveway, I confess I looked daggers at you, and you stopped dead in your tracks. Then you proceeded to plow (it's your job after all) and maneuvered your best to push 80 percent of that dirty snow and ice chunks onto the grass verge instead of my driveway as you passed, but I still glared daggers at you—SORRY.  You shrugged apologetically, and had to move on. Yesterday evening (March 5) I heard prolonged snowplow noise, went out and was amazed to see yes, the plow had been by—again—but my driveway was almost empty. I noticed the swirled, fat tire tracks in the foot of the driveway and in the street: again some snowplow guy doing his pirouetting best to keep my driveway snow-free as he passed doing his job. Was it YOU again?? Just wanted to thank you for this kindness 'cos you certainly don't owe me anything. —Appreciative South End Three-Story Walk-Up Dweller (With a Sore Back)

For many reasons this is in no way basic or straightforward. I wouldn't know where to begin if we were to acknowledge it. I imagine an overwhelming and disenchanting conversation and fear those bubbles being popped. But the effect you have on me is beyond my control. I've stopped wresting with it. I nurture what is ignited and just allow the question marks to hang out. A good life is rich in nuance and never tidy. I try to navigate as best I can and hope that time carves out a space for us. —Undeniably Disarmed