We were at a fast food place on opposite sides of the restaurant, and I noticed you looking over. You had a pink sweater on and I a red one. We locked eyes a few times, and I thought you were really cute. I spent my whole lunch hour trying to build up the courage to approach you and introduce myself, but instead I just left. The problem is timing. I'm in the midst of a break up from a eight year relationship that has crippled my self confidence, and am not in the right head space at the moment to approach anybody. I just wanted to say thank you for the moment we shared. As brief as it was, it really made me feel better about myself and already I can feel my self confidence creeping back in. Hopefully we run into each other again in a few months when I get myself together. I won't hesitate to say hello. — Encounter

...and I thought it might be easy. It seemed so natural. The idea was very simple - I'm a boy who'd meet a boy and fall in love. I still hold on to the dream, but I know life often makes things a little more complicated than I'd started out thinking, more complicated than things really should be. First dates. Falling in then out of love. Discovering. Overlooking. Being blindsided. Breaking-up. Longing. Unanswered questions. Wishing people could be kinder to each other, more understanding. I look around and I wonder if anyone even has the same dream....but I'll hold on to it still. I'll really try. I'm hoping for such great things. —Maybe I'll See You There...

To that wonderful little Leo chick who's been there for me in so many ways I can't even begin to think about counting, you are my favourite person. I love you, and I have no words to express the depth of gratitude I feel towards you. You have done so much for me, and I promise that I will make it up to you one of these days. You are my greatest friend, my soul sister, my kindred. You rock. —Pisces

Oh deary. I may have to stop coming to dance class. Not because everyone else is amazing and has been dancing for years, or that I stand out like a sore thumb, or due to the fact in all honesty I kinda suck at choreography...Those are all silly reasons to stop making Mondays my favorite day of the week. You, Mr. choreographer are beaaaauuuuttiffful. Inside and out. Please stop making me nervous so I can look half decent throwing my gangly self into hip hop poses. —Red

And you can't read! But I love you so stinkin' much. I know so many single ladies with big dogs and it's because you are all wonderful, giving souls that make our lives better despite the fact that my schedule now revolves around feeding you and picking up your poop. Obviously you can't read this, but I just needed to send some good love vibes out to you. — That Lady Who Feeds You

Moving through this world with grace can be tough at times - this past Friday being a good example for me. But I do love this town and love living here. In my 52 years I’ve lived in four other major cities in this country and two smaller ones, but this is my favorite and the one I’ve called home for the last couple decades. That love has been reciprocated more times adnd in more ways than I can count and that’s why I’m sending this out. I’m hoping someone found a plain white legal size envelope on MetroTransit #20, Friday, February 01. If you did, you likely noticed the healthy amount of cash inside. The loss of that envelope turned a bit of a rough week into an even rougher one, for certain. But finding a sympathetic ear with a dear friend that Friday evening, I couldn’t help but be mindful of the fact I have made incredibly dear and lasting friendships in this city, that I have a warm place to sleep on a cold winter night (for the time being, anyway), good food and good times to share with those dear friends of mine - and that not everyone is nearly so lucky. My friend I was with Friday evening is a big believer in karma and got me thinking about the ‘reasons’ things happen - a discussion that has allowed me, in my own way, to frame the situation somewhat more positively in my head and to relate this view: If the person who found the envelope is reading this, and really, really needs (needed?) the cash to survive, please know that I understand (been there and back again). But, if not then please realize that it was a portion of funds set aside for my own survival as this month’s rent, and I would very much appreciate its safe return. In fact, I would be happy to compensate you for any time, trouble or expense involved in its return. If you are that person and are able to return the envelope, please contact me at [email protected] - even delayed contact would be accepted with grace; and don't we all need a little grace at times. I will leave the ‘lostrent’ e-mail account open for the month of February and hope for a response. Regardless, whoever you are or whatever your circumstance, I wish you well. —Lost My Rent But Keeping My Grace

You may not be an ambulance driver or an E.M.T. but you certainly saved my bacon (and the rest of my ample frame) when you stopped and offered me a lift home on Thursday. Your kindness to a stranger on a blustery afternoon was immensely appreciated and will, most assuredly, be paid forward. Many thanks. —Bedraggled Guy In The Kittyhawk Ball Cap

We've been having some really horrendous weather lately, so much so that the siding on our house started to rip off completely in the wind! My dad and I had no idea, but you and your friend came and knocked on our door and told us, and what's more you got up on a ladder in the midst of the wind and rain and nailed it back up for us! We didn't even ask, you offered, the only reason being because it was neighborly. We can't thank you enough, I don't know what we would've done had it come off entirely. I'm glad to know there are still people around who are willing to each other out simply out of kindness. —Shingles In The Wind

I don't love anyone, but I definitely did like you. If you didn't feel the same why not just say you're not interested, instead of going on about how busy you are, everyone knows no one is that busy. You're so much older, yet so indirect, I guess being straight forward isn't your thing. I didn't really know you that well, but I did like visiting with you. A relationship was probably not possible, a kiss, maybe? —Some Girl

You have supported me in any and all of my ridiculous rants, calmed my heinous insecurities and held my hand through whatever crisis of the day I have. You cannot fathom how much you mean to me, and, how much I appreciate your friendship. Your words calm my soul and have such a soothing effect on me, often I feel like you can see right through and without having to say a word, you simply... get me. I don't need 50 "close" friends because you are all those and more all wrapped up into one neat little package. I have thanked you time and time again for how amazing you are but you will never truly understand what a beautiful and amazing individual you are. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for being the best best friend any lady could ever hope for. — From One Crazy Bitch To Another