i see you quite a bit and i'm well as you can see pretty shy your smile brightens up my day every time i see it. Maybe some day soon ill wave back when wave at me .if its even me your waving at —that guy

Overheard on Gottingen on Saturday night: "It's not worth going there...all they have is rice-a-roni and Chef Boyardee type stuff." The man speaking these words was stepping into an expensive restaurant and he was referring to a new community-oriented shop that opened a few doors away. I was annoyed by what he said because it is simply not true and smacks of privilege and ignorance. This isn't a bitch, though, it's a message of love for a our city and a special street—Gottingen—that continues to be diverse, inclusive and satisfying on so many levels. We should all take time to explore its nooks and crannies, its businesses new and old. But we should also recognize that many of the community resources, services and people that have called the street home, for far longer than wealthy folks have been parking their SUVs by its curbs, are an important part of what makes it great. —Nighttime eavesdropper

I was having a rough day at work, and when I went to pay for my groceries my debit wouldn't work. As I set them aside to use the ATM you purchased them for me, and said it looked like I had a rough day. I want to pay it forward and say a big thank you!!! —VeryThankfulLady

Dear me,
You're an old girl, but still a flake and a coward. You are awkward and avoiding. But your heart is loyal, your smile is warm and genuine. You have a skill at getting a smile and a chuckle out of most in small talk situations, and you have a great sense of style. You need to learn to walk with your shoulders back, however. You have suffered a lifetime of abuse and neglect but you are past that. Do not exhibit your shame; stand tall. You are a survivor. Wipe the sorrow from your eyes. You are worthy of love. —Me

You painted a pretty little picture with your post. All sweet and sad wrapped up into one. I loved you too...though I'm going to paint another side of the same picture. You thought it was time for us to go our separate ways. Well, my dear...I'm thinking it was because I called you on your bullshit. Yes, we were lovers...for the first year, but then you started... you started to string me along; dangling your sex only to pull it back. You started to turn me into the shoulder and ear to yet another story of yet another boyfriend. I had no problem with them by the way; they made no difference to me. I'm patient, but after a year of that... and then over a coffee not that long ago, you did it again. That was strike three. And without stamping my foot, I called you on it. You see my dear... they were getting theirs, but I wasn't getting mine. Plain and simple. I got more to say if you want.... —spot on

I would love if people (in general) would stop being so goddamn shallow. Learn to like and love a person for who they are, not for what you see. Because when you're only using your eyes you aren't experiencing all the other things a well rounded human really is. Also how about acting and speaking with sincerity. If you like someone, tell them, or be receptive to them. Don't brush them off, or ignore them and then run to LTWWL to profess your attraction, that shit is soooooo lame. —no love anywhere for the simple and honest.

We met about a year ago on the bus. You are sax and trombone graduates from the Dalhousie music program. Would love to make sweet reggae music together in Halifax!! Contact me at [email protected]. —Halfway Tree

While we were laying together last night I ask you why you bother with me, why you deal with the ups and downs that are a natural part of life and my job, why you rub my back each and every night with very little return rubbing. As a man of few words I expected "because I do" or "because you make good chicken curry" but no... you said "because you're worth it". I might have been stunned at the time or maybe in a sleepy state of shock, but you are right - I am worth it - thank you for realizing that I am not this frantic woman who is trying to save the world. Thank you for not compartmentalizing me, thank you for seeing what is underneath my sarcastic exterior and loving me for me. You are by far the best partner I have ever had and I don't say this because of the back rubs, the wine, the sporadic flowers or the amazing cuddles that you provide (but they certainly help!) - I say this because of the butterflies I feel when I see you, the beat that my heart skips when you pull me in for a kiss and the way that I love to love you. You my darling, are a man among boys. I am thankful everyday to have found you. —Me

Foxxy Cleopatra; I can't get you out of my mind. We've met a couple of times, both happily married with kids. Sorry to be the creep staring from across the room, but you surpass my limitations.. I need to stay away. Marriage isn't always easy, but you're making it hard:/ —Can't hide it in tights

Two months ago, I stopped at a yard sale in the north end to buy a book about Tudor history. The woman who was having the yard sale kindly went inside after the enthusiastic conversation about our shared passion for medieval England's  history. This kind woman loaned me her books without a thought. I offered her my address and phone number, she said she trusted me. I have not forgotten you! I am just finishing the six wives of Henry VIII. I promise you, I will bring back your books, don't worry! :) —Tudor Lover