August 17, 2007
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I think I encountered a new social phenomenon this morning...
The London Paper has a column: looking for love, or some such. The idea is that if you see someone you fancy on public transport, you send it a text message, and then they print your message, allowing you to get in touch with this total stranger.
About a fortnight ago, there was a lush specimen on the bus. We'll call him Agincourt, since he was reading 'Agincourt'. Definitely my type. Tall, ginger, bespectacled, evidently intelligent. I smiled at him, and made eye contact, and smiled again as I got off the bus, and made eye contact again as the bus zoomed off. Two days later, in The London Paper, an ad catches my eye. It begins "Knitting on the [insert bus number]." I bounced around the room somewhat - it could only have been meant for me. I've only once seen someone else knitting on that bus and, crucially, it was my stop the guy mentioned.
This morning, I catapulted out of the flat late (I often catapult. It's so much more ennervating). Wet hair, scraggy jumper, not at my best: it was a late night last night. I went to see The Bourne Ultimatum with a gentleman who has the same name as my Father, but who is not my Father. We shall call him Richard, for that is his name. He's perfectly pleasant, but a definite party animal. There shall be, I hope, much going out, but no deep meaningful relationship as he's not that type. Not at my best this morning. Lacking sleep. Knitting.
And Agincourt gets on the bus for the first time since the adverty thing appeared. And I smile at him, and he sort of smiles back, and moves down the bus... and that's it?! I fail to locate my business card. My phone had randomly gone dead, so I couldn't text Jo for further advice. All I managed to do was smile very shyly. I did receive a smile. But...but....but-but-but-but-but? (imagine, if you will, that I'm getting squeakier with each 'but').
Now what do I do?
Apart from rejoice that my Sockpal has received her Socks! I don't know that they fit her - she hasn't said either way. But they are there, and, I am very pleased about this. Phew.
xxx
Comments (6)
I haunt the local Craigslist site, reading the "Missed Connections" which are the same sorts of things... ads from people who've lusted after strangers, etc.
Very interesting, to say the least.
it must be nice to have strangers lusting after you ...
Maybe he's waiting to see your reply in the paper? Or maybe it was another guy who saw you smile and wished you had smiled at him?...
My sock pal didn't tell me if her socks fit either. All I know is that she loved the colors.
Good luck!
Next time, TALK to him! A simple "hello" might get him to say something.
But you've taken the time to write about it, now think about it. Come up with something friendly and nonthreatening, prefferably odd, funny or otherwise attention-getting that will require a response that is longer than "yes" or "no" to use next time you see him.
Watch the first part of "While You Were Sleeping." What would you tell Lucy to do when the guy she wants to marry goes by? Then DO it!
You have a sock pal? I'm jealous. heh.
and as for the guy--well it could have been someone else, right? Reply to the ad!