Dear little pride flag in the window of Charles & Agricola. I've seen you every day as I walk to work, through winter and now into summer. Thank you. I feel more welcome because you are there. —:)

You have your own sense of style that makes me want to go out of my way to make all my wine and beer purchases from your store. Your friendly attitude and piercing eyes make my day!! —LC Lover

For the short while we were together, you had an empty box of floss on your bathroom countertop. I mentioned it to you towards the end and you hadn't noticed even that it was completely gone. Three days before we broke up, on the last night we spent together, I brought over a fresh new box. You have since returned most of my belongings, but you kept the floss. I didn't need it to be returned, but I can't help but think about it occasionally. I picture it there—a tool to keep you in good health, an opportunity to form a new positive habit, a strange last effort by me to “help you”—and I sincerely hope you use it. —From me

I saw you (in your grey and burgundy sweater) as I (in my denim jacket) slumped down the sidewalk on a foggy June evening on North Street. We caught one another doing double (and then triple) takes and it took everything I had not to call out or double over giggling. You're the kind of handsome that makes me nervous. —Shy girl in the skull shirt

I saw you in the parking lot, struggling to walk. Bent over sideways, battling to move the cane ahead and take a step, fighting not to lose your balance. When you accepted my offer to drive you, I was so relieved. You said it feels as though every bone in your body hurts. My heart hurts for you. The worst thing was, I didn't see you in safely. I took your instruction to drop you off at the foot of the hill, rather than up to the entrance, and I didn't question your refusal for me to get out of the car and help you. You fell. It was like I fell too. I don't know why you are in so much pain, or if you will heal. But my heart goes out to you. And I'm sorry. If I could do it over again, this story would end differently. —Lady with the Manual Nissan

PS: I'm not trying to be presumptuous by writing this, but never feel like a burden! Let people help you when you need it! We could all use a little help. Hugs :)

Just had a birthday—quietly, telling no one and being contacted by no one. The price I pay for bad life choices, burned bridges. But you still lift me up, all the time, the only one in my life who congratulates me on accomplishments, shares a drink or conversation, shows up. And I do the same right back! There's no shortage of people around, but only one who sees me for me, and who I hope gets equal joy from time with me. —So Inappropriate

Halifax, thanks for being my home for the past 9 years. You've introduced me to so many things and wonderful people. I have an amazing band that I am so sad to leave but so grateful to have had the pleasure to work with. All my friends who stuck with me through shitty times, through apartments packed to the brim with punks and kitty poops, through shitty bosses bullying us, through hear aches and joblessness; you guys are the reason I stayed so long and you are the reason I will come back. I love you all so damn much. —A manko leaving the nest

It isn't last summer anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't still look for you on my morning and evening commutes. I hope you are able to bike to work again without thinking about Berlin and stitches and Norwegian baked goods. —Girl on bus

I'm glad you didn't think I was weird. "I love your photography and follow you on Instagram!" I said. You were so kind, you chatted with me and I felt special that this Halifamous person was wanting to know more about me. You really are as nice as they say. Thanks! —A Shy Fan

Me: volunteer.
You: doctor(?). I miss saying hello to you every Thursday when you got coffee. I wish I had gotten your name and hope you're doing well. —Redhead in a Red Vest