The road to connection has become increasingly fractured, with our phones working to isolate us from the real, live people surrounding us every day, and COVID enacting a legitimate fear of getting too physically close to other people. But something’s gotta give. 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. Our goal here is to encourage us all to look up, look around, and reach out—whether that be to romantic possibilities, friendship possibilities, someone we wish to pay a compliment to, or someone we were inadvertently short with. Let’s connect again.
Frog and Toad
We were leaving Z’otz at the same time, couple weeks ago now. I was there with my roommate. You told us we were dressed like popular children’s book characters Frog and Toad. I don’t have any interest in meeting back up at Z’otz because I am very lesbian and you seemed very gay, but I do want you to know, that was the most brutal read I have ever been the subject of. I didn’t even get your name. You were right, which is the worst part really.
Music Box Fashionista
I saw you at the Music Box art market buying some really sick earrings. You caught my eye, then the earrings caught my eye, and now I have a pair of earrings from the same place that I’m obsessed with, so thanks for that.
City Bark Hottie
You: Go to the park during the evening hours, t-shirt and jeans, sable shoulder length hair, tall and muscular, with your large golden colored mutt in a bandana. You’re usually alone making your laps around the large dog area with your Good Dog not far behind. Me: Small dog area, noticing you from behind the fence where I play with my crazed hound, trying to find the right words to spark up a convo when you pass by the fence. Woof. Let’s take it off-leash, I won’t bite ; )
Seratones Inquirer
I saw you at Hanif Abdurraqib’s Baldwin & Co. book talk at StudioBE in November. You asked Hanif a question and mentioned that he’d written something for your band, Seratones (I listened to your music when I went home and love it!). I thought your question was really thoughtful and wish I’d approached you after to tell you.
Pixie Cut in Funky Monkey
To the Audrey Hepburn in the Funky Monkey whose pixie cut was an inspiration: once I saw you I knew I had to talk to you. I was dressed in chartreuse and thrilled to have my questions so warmly received. Thanks for brightening my day. I wish I’d been bold enough to keep the conversation going.
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
