Aren’t you tired of swiping in the hopes of running into a specific someone you have an existing, lingering curiosity about? Here’s your chance to be brave—to take the active route instead of the passive one. Let’s connect again. (Entries may be minimally edited for clarity.)
Cat-Eyed Musician Near Jackson Square
you: tall musician in black with cat-eye shades near jackson square, exiting an establishment carrying your guitar case. me: girl in blue windbreaker, hoodie and black track pants. you told me I was gorgeous and asked if I had a boyfriend and I playfully waved you off. but you’re damn cute and you made my day. hope to run into you again xox
Honk If You Love Trepanning
You had a bumper sticker that said “Honk If You Love Trepanning.” I honked like a son of a gun and then was worried you would think I was upset. I pulled up alongside you in a white minivan and gave you a perhaps too vigorous thumbs up. You gave me back the thumbs up. Let’s be friends?
Southern Decadence 2023
We met briefly at Southern Decadence 2023. You looked like Zendaya. You told me I was beautiful and took my number. You never texted me. I hope you’re okay.
Verizon Store Vision
Outside the Verizon store with dozens of others wondering what the hell was going on with our service a few days ago, I saw this vision of a woman, short, dressed in all black. She walked by me again while ambling about the strip mall, and we smiled at each other, like they do in the movies. She revived my joie de vivre. Call me at [redacted]1*AG appreciates the effort but we’re not gonna broadcast phone numbers. If you think this message pertains to you and want to reach out, get in touch with us. —Ed.
Us at Barnes and Noble checkout
I was in line when you complimented the Get Out DVD in my hands and sparked up a conversation about Jordan Peele films! You showed me your limited edition Us poster and I can’t stop thinking about our interaction. And the way I left without saying goodbye, I was quite nervous… Hoping to connect again, I didn’t even get your name.
Looking for Lewis
I took a Lyft ride with an older Black gentleman named Lewis and we had an amazing conversation. He gave me his information on a card and I put it in my back pocket only to realize later that the pocket had a hole just large enough for a business card to fit through (they were my wife’s pants). I have a screenshot of the guy’s Lyft profile with a headshot which I can send to you if you think you may have found him. Thank you and I hope you are well!
Art Show Zaddy
Ran into you at an art show on Julia Street. You, a twink zaddy in a patterned suit, were standing with the Haunted Hearse’s proprietress. You complimented my scarf, but I was late to a friend’s event and already leaving. “This is my show,” you said. I, a ponderous man oaf, regretted not getting your digits. In our 50s, do we get better at this?
Submit your own close encounter to closeencounters@antigravitymagazine.com or through our new ANONYMOUS Google form. All email addresses will remain confidential. Don’t be a creep.
illustrations by Maegen Guidroz
