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.
Runner on Bayou St John, early morning August 3rd
You: sunglasses, crop top. Me: cool tats, short shorts. We were walking in opposite directions and exchanged smiles when we passed each other. Is it just my imagination, or did you look back? Let’s walk together next time.
Toddler meltdown at City Park
You were by yourself with a little one who was just not having it and you looked like you were on the verge of tears. As a fellow parent, let me tell you that it will get better. You are doing a great job.
NOLA City Bark
Our dogs like to play with each other (my pittie, your lab?), but we only ever make small talk. Not sure of your situation, but I think you’re kind of hot and would love to get to know you a little better, if you’re into it.
Fellow eavesdropper at Cafe Flora
We were both sitting near an incredibly awkward first (?) date. Both our heads turned as soon as the dude started talking about crypto, and we made eye contact and laughed (he was too into himself to notice). Thanks for sharing that with me!
Vinyl nerds
We started chatting about music over the bins at Euclid, and you recommended that I listen to The Clean. Happy to report back that I have been listening to them non-stop since. I wish I had gotten your contact info so we could swap more music or hang at a show.
Walking on the levee
I saw you the other night, walking on the levee with your dog and new partner. I am pretty sure you saw me, too, but it still seems like neither one of us is in a place to engage. Maybe we’ll never be, but I just want you to know that it is really great to see you happy.
Anti-gentrification cyclist
You were standing on your bike seat to take down a really high “We Buy Houses” sign along St. Charles. I almost pulled over my car to say something and then I chickened out.
Submit your own close encounter to closeencounters@antigravitymagazine.com.
All email addresses will remain confidential. Don’t be a creep.
illustrations by Maegen Guidroz
