Attention all bargain shoppers — we’ve got a sale on Missed Connections in aisle 12! Admittedly, we’re getting kinda desperate. Not sure if it’s the COVID-related social distancing or the longterm fallout from the SESTA/FOSTA censorship that has turned the MCs into mostly gross casual encounters-type posts, but either way, we’re over it. And while it’s true that lockdowns are going away, in most of the country that’s corresponding with people getting sick at scary rates, so I guess this is what we’ll be dealing with — for a while, at least.

So let’s make the best of it, right? Stories of flirtations over masks, in line waiting for swim lanes, and shopping for eggs are keeping us entertained this week. Plus we’ve got encounters at the truck stop showers, motorcycle lovers in search of love, and plenty of convenience stores for your essential shopping needs. And hey, if you lost your hundred bucks at the lake, some guy out there says he has it. Which is not sketchy at all, right?

Exercise proper caution, Virginia.

Lovely Lady (Ollies)

We made eye contact as you were shopping/checking out, at approximately 1:00PM, on Thursday.

I had a mask on (so my eyes admiring you was likely very obvious). Your eyes returned what I was hoping was an invite for a conversation.

If you see this, let me know what I and/or you were wearing as confirmation.

Here’s hoping to talk to you!

Swim lane

You were waiting for the lane I was in to open up, and I couldn’t stop admiring how phenomenal you looked in your black one piece. I wish I could have complimented you.

Hopefully I’ll see you again.

Pink shirt and Adidas pants…… (South point Walmart)

I saw you in the mil and eggs section today around 11:15am. I thought you were astonishingly beautiful. We did make eye contact but you kept walking and got eggs.

Wawa this morning (Fredericksburg)

Wawa on plank road. We were in line and you were right behind me. White guy, mask on, black hat and a couple of tattoos. We were talking about a new job your getting with special needs. Doubt you’ll see this and you have a gf but you were really hot.

Motorcycle rides (Newport News)

Just looking for some chill females around my area that wouldn’t mind hopping on the back of my bike. I’m not looking for more than friends. If it gets there that’s ok. Just want a reason to leave the house. I’m 5’7 195lbs and in pretty good shape. I have a second set of gear and helmet for you if you need it. Shoot me a message with contact info and we can go from there.

Lewistown Rd truck stop (Ashland)

Damn dude…u had just come from the showers and caught me checking you out twice….you are a fine piece of trucker man……I was hoping you would approach me so we could have a little bro fun

Looking for Courtney Vanderheden (Hampton)

You know me
I know you through someone else
You will prob lose your mind when you find out who this is
I’ve had a thing for you for a while.
Tell me who I am
Keep a secret

Slim woman at 7 eleven 26th street (Newport News)

Wow, saw you at 7 Eleven, I was behind you in the line. You were dark skin, slim and you were wearing black shades, a blue colorful one-piece outfit and it fit your nice slim body just right. I tried to catch up with you in the parking lot but you got into the passenger side of an SUV parked at the gas pump. HMU I’d love to learn more about you.

Rite Aid, light skinned black woman, blue dress (Kempsville)

I was in Rite Aid at Providence. You were buying stuff for a birthday. You are one of the most beautiful women I’ve seen in my entire life. I waited behind you as you checked out, and I checked you out the whole time. Totally stunning. Your outfit complemented you, head to toe. WOW.

Philpott lake (Bassett)

You were at the swimming area over 18 and petite wearing a 2 piece.. You lost 100.00 I have it will return if you can come to my place and prove that it’s yours..

At the Pool (Chesapeake)

I saw you swimming this evening at the GB YMCA pool. You looked great in your suit and I was having a hard time concentrating on my workout–feel free to say hi

Ft Monroe Beach. Took you and son out to sandbar (Hampton)

Spent Saturday at the beach and I met you and your son. I was really taken by you and would love to know if the feeling was mutual. Email me back with my name and who was with me as well. It seems we had a lot in common and I found you additionally attractive because of it . I remember your name well as well as your son’s but I don’t think Craigslist allows the posting of names. I really hope to hear from you soon

Whether it’s advisable or not (spoiler alert: it’s not), Virginia is largely back open for business, and the Missed Connections this week reflect that, first and foremost with a plea from a returning Uber driver for their customers to hit on them. OK, maybe that’s not what it SAYS, but I know how to read between the lines.

In other news, a local Target shopper hits on a rising issue with the Missed Connections (namely, the fact that these days it’s mostly a reincarnated version of what was, before SESTA/FOSTA ruined everything, Craigslist’s mostly-atrocious Casual Encounters section), before hitting on a motorcycle enthusiast ahead of them in line. Thankfully at least a few people remember what MC is for, which is why we do get a few entertaining anecdotes about climbing walls in Manchester and buying bullets in Hanover County amid all the references to “cleaning out clogged pipes.” Ugh.

Honestly, even those people aren’t having any fun, if some of the bitter messages we see are any indication. Remember, Craigslist tarts — catfish isn’t just found in rivers anymore.

Keep it together, Virginia.

To your uber drivers (Va)

To your uber drivers (Va)
If you get a ride from your local uber drivers
Whether your male or female
And your attracted to your driver
Just tell them
They might feel the same way
And if your too shy
At least let them know on here and what you would like to do

Lake Prince paddle boards (Suffolk)

You and your friend paddle up on us by your grandparents dock. We got a few words in before it started raining, and we y’all had to scramble. I am going to fish that lake every weekend the rest of the summer. But I figured that might be a slim chance you stumble onto this, and if so what college team hat did I have on? So I know it’s you

Willow Lawn Target May 28 (Willow Lawn)

Does anyone use these for actual missed connections anymore? This is a total long shot and pretty random, but if by any chance this rings a bell for anyone, let me know!

You were a tall, stocky black man with longish hair who was wearing a black face mask. You had a conversation with another guy about motorcycles for a while near the make up section and then talked to a woman in the checkout line who you seemed to know and who was wearing a dress and had tattoos. I heard you mention that you worked at VCU. I think you may have said you lived in Church Hill. I am tall with tattoos and had my kiddo with me. I thought you were attractive and wished I had said hello.

cute guy and dog named Gillie (Manchester Rock Wall)

Not sure why I’m doing this, but saw you at the Manchester wall yesterday. You and your dog are super cute.

I’d love to buy you a cup of coffee.

Red/Pink hair buying air fresheners……. (short pump wal mart)

WOW……..Thanks for the show Friday in the air freshener aisle………..Love the look of hair and black and white waist wrap around. Do you do encores?????

Byrd park stud

Sorry to be creeping so hard. Just can’t get you off my mind and want to take care of that body.

You down or should I forget it?

Greentop — Guy from Northern Neck (Richmond)

probably a snowballs chance in h** you will see this but we talked for a while today in Greentop about ammo and other stuff. Wish we had traded phone numbers and met for some range practice and whatever. I looked for you but didnt see you in the store. Hit me back with our conversation if you see this posting.

Girl in blue honda at walmart nn (Newport news)

You were driving a blue honda with 90 day tags. I was waiting to cross the lane to get to my jeep. You were absolutely beautiful. You smiled at me and motioned that you liked my goatee. I smiled and waved(behind my mask).

Thank you for making my day! I’d love to pay you a compliment as well, email me back!

Infusion nurse

I can’t stop thinking about how beautiful your smile and eyes are. I wish I had a chance to say it in person.

Green Shirt and Black Car (Virginia Beach)

To the man with tattoos I saw this morning at WAWA. You are so HOTTTT! You were in front of me in line and I could smell your cologne. You drove me crazy! I wish I would have said something to you as you we’re getting into your car.

Guy in Silverado (fredericksburg)

you had a trijicon sticker on back of your Silverado truck; you were playing on your phone while at light…had don’t tread on me license plate. I believe we used to know each other, isn’t the first time I’ve seen you on the road.

so many fakes (chesterfield)

Why bother emailing and sending pictures if you’re not going to follow through with meeting. I understand sometimes things come up but instead of letting someone get their hopes up let them know you cant meet. That being said I’m still looking for some fun if you can host get back to me. Once you email me then I will give you my number for easier communication.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Missed Connections, where masks remain important if you actually want to get out there and miss some connections in the real world. Back in 2019, we never would have guessed that we’d see ads thanking people for finding your mask when it got lost inside a grocery store, but that’s exactly the kind of crazy mixed-up year this has turned out to be.

This week also reminds us that one of the easiest ways to meet someone these days is to walk your dog. We don’t get out too much recreationally, but our four-legged friends all need to get out there, and they’ll always bring us along. Meanwhile, we’ve also got people alleviating the boredom and frustration of a visit to the DMV by falling for the bored and frustrated employees you encounter there. Which is a better outcome than wanting to kill them, I suppose.

Keep it together, Virginia.

Nana in Carytown (Richmond)

Hi. You’re Nana. We spoke yesterday 6/13 in front of Richmond camera, in Carytown. Your grandson said hi & showed me his jumping skills. I told you that you are a beautiful lady. I’d like very much to tell you again. Rich

Starbucks chick with the arm tattoos (Mayland Drive)

First of all I’d simply like to say THANKS for making my morning. Every time I come in we make eyes and I’ll sometimes throw in some innocent flirting..I won’t put your name on blast and you’d know I’m talking about you if you see this.

Gorgeous with long blond braid

I was pissed off standing in the long DMV line this morning at the Admin Building and then you walked by. Black lace top and black polka dot pants. Looked like you work there because I noticed an ID badge hanging from your top. You had on a mask but I can’t stop thinking about those huge blue eyes that caught mine as you went past. I can only imagine the rest of the face is just as beautiful. Thanks for making my day and giving me something to day dream about. Stay safe and beautiful.

Brittany Working at Food Lion In Powhatan Found My Mask (Powhatan)

I just wanted to say thank you again for taking the time to find my mask. I know you didn’t want me to pay you for finding it but I think you’re cute and would like to know if I could take you to lunch instead. Thanks!!!!!

ass, sass, and grass (fan)

Spending the night in the clouds and looking for some company. 420 friendly fellow over here looking for a lady of the same persuasion who’s got some junk in the trunk and a personality laden with spunk.

If you are interested, send a picture!

Does anyone read these? (Va Beach)

Just wondering if anyone reads these ads. Let me know if have ever reconnected or made a new connection through the CL ads, just very curious.

Even

If I did confess everything to you, what would do with that info? That’s what important.

I hate to see you go. (Around)

really hate to see you go. I Think we could of really had something. I wanted to build each other up and be a team.

Beautiful Redhead Walking Dog (Shockoe Canal)

You were walking your small dog. Sat. night, June 13 around 6:30, next to the steel girders of the overhead train tracks. I managed to say something. I wanted to ask you out then and there. You’re the one. 🙂

Young lady walking the dog at the Diamond hotel (Richmond)

I thought you were cute! Black dress, red & black leggings. Saw you Thursday morning

My lady friend, here’s your chance. (RVA)

I totally understand that you’re bored and looking for a true connection, excitement, butterflies.

I can provide all that and more.

Good looking guy here, ready to help you stop wasting your time on CL and start living life a little.

You know how much you crave to feel ALIVE again.

Take a chance on me and you won’t regret it.

Best Buy Mechanicsville 12PM Friday (Mechanicsville)

This is for the gorgeous little lady waiting outside of the Best Buy in Mechanicsville around lunch time on Friday June 12th. I find you to be absolutely gorgeous and I would have liked the opportunity to talk with you. You were with a larger and older woman, you had long dark hair and some type of wordings tatted inside of your left leg. I am the guy in the lifted truck waiting outside the store. We locked eyes for a minute or two so you know who I am. If you are reading this, feel free to contact me and let me know the color of my truck so that I know it is really you and not some scammer.

After months of coronavirus-related social distancing, we’re all finally starting to get back out there, and the Missed Connections are starting to reflect that. And thank god, because things were starting to get a bit squirrelly over there at Craigslist. This week, though, from protest meet-cutes to Phase Two reopenings, people are getting out there, seeing one another, and forming the inevitable instant crushes that always fuel the best Missed Connections.

We’ve got frustrated pet owners who still aren’t sure if you maybe just liked their dog, as well as some homicidal road-raging drivers and the people who, for some reason, actually dig that sort of thing. We’ve got stoplight racers who aren’t afraid of getting a ticket and people who want to get those carwash hotties to pose for a calendar (a likely story). And we’ve got a bunch of shoppers who aren’t letting the new mask rule stop them from falling in love with one another’s eyes.

But we should warn y’all if you’re one of the weirdos posting these, telling a woman you saw at your job that she’s lucky you were working is not a good way to get a response to your missed connection. Don’t be that guy, by which I mean that creep.

Masks on, Virginia.

bike guy protest sat night (broad st)

you were on a bike and i gave you a water. you were super cute, let’s fuck the system together.

To the lady I cut off on Staples Mill Road

You were driving a red Dodge Durango. I wasn’t paying attention and accidentally cut you off. You drove around me, flipped me off and yelled that if I did that again, you would cut my f*cking d*ck off. 

We should talk. 

Girl at Texas Beach interested in my dog (Richmond)

You came and sat near my stuff today at Texas Beach and when I came over to it, you turned around and we spoke briefly about my dog. You gave her pets and kisses which was odd for her to allow from a stranger. The conversation eventually awkwardly fizzled. You said “See ya around” to her. Either you didn’t like me or were shy. I should have been more direct so as to at least be sure I was getting rejected, because you’re like a 13/10. I’ve never posted one of these in my life but I’ve been kicking myself all afternoon. Tell me your name and/or my dog’s. 

Twin Creeks Marina (Winchester)

I regret not asking you for your number. Everytime I built up the nerve I had a family member distract me. You were working and came over to pet my puppy. I felt a connection. Please respond back to me so we can get to know each. Reply with what you were doing at work and what kind of puppy I had so I know it was you. I hope the universe gets this message to you.

Blue Charger (Roanoke)

We had a mini race at a stop light. Want to do it again?!
I saw you wave at Orange Ave!

What

An image. What a feeling. Unbelievable. Just like you.

Cute blond guy at Smithfield car wash on Monday (Smithfield)

Cute blonde guy with tattoos washing your car in Smithfield on Monday at about 1 pm. You were driving a gold-colored BMW. I am working on a calendar and am looking for models to fill the last 2 months. You are perfect for the theme.
I wrote down my phone number and email address to give to you but by the time I was able to approach you, you were driving off. You have a Mason tattoo on the back of your neck. You also have a distinct tattoo on your stomach. Tell me what that tattoo is so that I know it is you. If you are interested, I would love to chat with you about it.
If you are not him but know who this is, please send me a social media link or at least a name. Also, if you think you fit the project you can message me.

Sunbathing beauty (Lightfoot)

Pulling into the neighborhood yesterday and seeing you sunbathing in the front yard was a great treat. I wanted to find an excuse to drive past again.

Shopping cart and blue eyes

You had the most amazing blue eyes that I have ever locked mine on to. Would have loved to have seen what else was behind that mask. You’re lucky that I was working!

M4F if by chance you see this, tell me where we were and what I was wearing….

Walgreens on Friday in afternoon beautiful!! (Virginia Beach)

You were in walgreens on Friday or Thursday last week in the early evening. Beautiful dreads, beautiful eyes, wow…you left in a white car, I hit the unlock on my car as you were getting in yours. You are beautiful. You took that mask off, and wow…my angel. I know ill probably never see you again, but dang, beautiful.

Trader Joe’s 5 ish Friday (Yep)

I was behind you yummy thing in line. Both had on masks but we mentioned something about the weirdness of it. You left and waved at me as you drove off in your 4Runner. Thanks for the smile!

Sexy under that mask (Roanoke)

Are you bored? Wanna show off? Let me tell you how sexy you are in nothing but your mask……lovely lady…mature ….married need confidence boost. Let me tell you how fine you are…

Mullins the 3rd (Richmond)

Tell me where this average guy seen you. What you ordered so I know it really was you and can brag to my friends.

I like your wheels (Innsbrook)

You were kind enough to roll down your window and express your interest in my wheels. Given today’s environment, it would have been nice to talk a little more.

Thanks, again, for the compliment.

Standing in front of car rental agency in north Stafford. (Stafford)

I drove by you on Monday afternoon while you were standing outside on the phone. You were stunning looking and I loved your long dark beautiful hair blowing gently in the breeze.
You could have been in a commercial.
If you would like to chat more drop a line.

Things are a little light in the world of the Missed Connections this week, it seems. Could that be because everyone’s out on the streets speaking their mind? If so, that’s definitely not a bad thing. And thankfully, there are still more than a few of the awkward potential meet-cutes we all come to Missed Connections for — so get ready to dive in!

For example, we’ve got people drawing attention by filming insects, and hot grandmas ready to embrace their inner cougar. We’ve got awesomely obnoxious tailgaters and convenience store parking lot cruisers. And of course, in this time of COVID-19 (remember COVID-19? It’s still a threat, so keep wearing your mask), we’ve got plenty of people crushing on their delivery drivers.

But hey, if you are seriously having enough trouble finding the guy you were supposed to rent an apartment with that you have to post about him on Craigslist, you probably should just get a different roommate. Imagine having to do that every month just to pay rent.

Take it to the streets, Virginia. And remember — Black lives matter.

Cute gal on belle isle saw me film bees (Richmond)

I saw you today, watching as I was laying on the ground filming bees. I thought you were really cute, and wanted to chat, but I was on the clock and kind of surrounded by bees. So, here’s hoping.

Letting it go

It would be better if this wasn’t pushed any farther. At first I thought I could handle myself without feeling so deeply for you; more than I already did. I don’t know what it is, I completely melt around you, and it scares me because no man has that affect on me. Maybe it’s because you’re unattainable and I know I cannot have you. Maybe it’s because I see you as so perfect. I want to learn from you, I want to know you. But, I know that is not really possible anytime soon so, it’s better to just let it go now before I hurt myself in this little rendezvous.

Pizza guy (Henrico)

I ordered Christian’s and you delivered in a black car. You were wearing a white shirt. I said you look familiar and you said something that made me laugh. What was it? Maybe you can stay next time?

Hot Granny for Bodybuilder (Newport News)

Looking for the young hot Bodybuilder guy (18-25) who whistled at me and yelled “hot granny” near CNU. Got me curious about a younger guy. I’m 62 so please only age 35 and under. Tired of limp noodles. Send Age, City, Full Pix.

(I don’t reply to one word messages)

Amazon Girl(driver) (Richmond)

Guaranteed to be a long shot, but to the girl delivering for Amazon (I assume). You were in a white van. It was maybe 3-3:30ish or so. You had on green pants. And of course your face mask.You delivered to house(tell me the color so I know it’s you). I don’t know if you were looking at me or not. But I definitely was looking at you. Tell me what you saw, so I’ll know if it’s you or not.

Live…Love…

I’ve been thinking about you the past several days since we parted. Curious if you’ve been doing the same. I’ve wondered for a long time how things might have be different if I had met you first, if you and I might have been happier together than just watching each other from afar in relationships that aren’t really working. If you feel the same way, respond with what completes the title of this post – and tell me that I’m not alone in wondering…

Watch

The people around you. They lie and spread falsehoods because you have easy access to people and opportunities they could never have. And they want you just as miserable as they are. 

You have blue car with an obnoxious number of stickers (Charlottesville)

Thanks for tailgating the guy in front of us. You were rocking out insanely hard so it might have been an accident but no one has business going that slow

Blond in mini van.staunton (Staunton)

I miss the blonde that was driving the minivan probably an hour or two ago past 7-Eleven in town you know who I was tell me what I was driving. You dropped something I’d like to return. Just so we’re clear it’s you it was dirty blond hair an electric I believe blue eyes darkened. But they were oh so beautiful..u definitely dropped something I definitely have it

I fell in love with you (Stafford)

Hey. I fell in love with you the night we were watching my team and you leaned back in my arms on the couch and fell asleep.

Trust.

I looked down at you while you slept and knew I would always protect you and would never allow you to feel you were alone in the world.

Just know I will always have your back even if I open my heart to someone else. I love you.

W4M 

Where in the world is Doc Taylor (Greene)

Like trying to get apt. with Waldo, can’t ever find!

Got sign up Hero’s work here!

Really, where is Doc? must have gotten stuck in a phone booth last two months putting hero cape on.

“When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home”

Tecumseh

You were working. I want to have the conversation. (Downtown Roanoke)

You were working downtown on Saturday when I tried to talk to you. You said you couldn’t hear me but I know you could.

I want to have the conversation I was trying to have with you when you’re off the clock. It felt like you wanted to talk about it. I understand why you couldn’t.

I want to have the conversation with someone with your perspective.

I know 95% of the stuff posted in MC is more than platonic, but this isn’t. I just want to talk to you, human being to human being.

The kinksters are out and about in this week’s Missed Connections, and they’re getting downright bold. People looking to get tied up, people who want to buy poppers, people who want to hook up with a cop… all kinds of crazy desires are getting aired out here! There’s even a guy who wants to pay women to clean their houses, or so he says. Am I the only one getting serial killer vibes?

Let’s move on quickly from that to the more wholesome entries on this week’s list, like the people drooling over the hotties who used the warm weather over the weekend as an excuse to break quarantine and hit the beaches. A word to the wise: let the buns hang out all you want, but you probably should still bring your mask.

Flirting with cars next to you at lights and with people walking by your front windows is still much safer, and there’s a lot of that kind of thing going on, along with the old standby — checkout counters at the grocery store. Just goes to show, no matter what sort of disaster we’re all living through, the Missed Connections remain essential.

Exercise caution, Virginia.

Attractive Young Man will clean your place and pay

Hey there,

Are there any bossy or demanding women in RVA?

I like being bossed around and would clean your entire place for you. Floors, bathrooms, etc. I’ll also pay you to do it.

I’m ready to serve and you will be very surprised by how cute I am.

Strawberry St (Fan)

Does anyone know if the woman that works late at Strawberry St Market is single?

To the man I married

I know more than you realize. I’m just giving you enough time and rope to hang yourself. Keep up your games and posts on here and your text apps on your phone that you think I’m not aware of. I’m just watching and documenting it all so you will get nothing when I throw you out. I have no problems living on my own. You’ll be the one with no place to go.

Thong Bikini (Grandview Nature Preserve)

I don’t know who you were, with your ass-ets hanging out of that string bathing suit, but that was the most delicious thing I’ve seen at a public beach in a pretty long time. Such a bathing suit might technically be illegal in the fine state of Virginia, but I won’t tell if you won’t.

I’m honestly not looking to hook up or anything, and you did have a guy with you so I imagine you’re accounted for anyway. I just wanted to let you know that you really made my day. Please come to our beach again!

Christian Man for Woman

Good morning. I am a God fearing man looking for a new female friend. I am tall, and I have a muscular build. I think with everything going on right now is the time to draw even closer to God. It can be a great thing to find someone who shares your passion for God. If interested please send me a message telling me a little bit about yourself. Have a wonderful Memorial Day. God bless everyone. 

Guy driving a silver VW in front of me (F) at stoplight (Richmond)

I know this is a long shot, but today you were driving with a few friends and I pulled up behind you at the light. You rolled down your window and acknowledged me through your side mirror, and then your friend turned around to look at me. I smiled at you while I was next to you right before you got behind me to turn right. I don’t think you’ll ever see this, but I couldn’t think of any other way. If you think this is you, message me back with some detail like the car I was in, what road we were on, or something about my appearance.

My neighbor (Midlothian)

We see each other all the time and just today you were chilling out your window and waved at me and said something but I couldn’t hear or stop because I was walking too fast haha . I know this is a long shot but make the title “window shopper” if you think it was you.

Where can I get poppers

Does anyone know where I can get poppers other than Taboo’s?

All Tied Up (Yorktown / Newport News / Hampton)

We talked about our kinks and interests a while back. You were interested in rope and liked being tied up. You were in need of man that knew how to give you what you needed. We never got a chance to make it happen. I think we should. I hope to hear from you! If you think this might be you, please message. Would be a lot of fun to reconnect with you.

If you don’t think I’m talking about you, but you’re curious… it would be fun to hear from you, too! I’m a white male only interested in females.

Girl at the laundromat

That was a fun little exchange. You had me so riled up.

Fantasy (Ladysmith)

I have had this fantasy for years of hooking up with a cop. I’m not sure if it’s the uniform or what, but I know I can’t help but check out the bulges on all the local cops. I have a really hard time maintaining eye contact when in the presence of one. If any of them would ever like some discreet fun I’d be totally down. Don’t care about anyone’s situation and not trying to split anyone up, just trying to live out a long held fantasy.

Food lion

Saw you at food lion and my jaw dropped. I know you caught me staring. You were a gorgeous woman who had glasses and light hair. It was between brown and strawberry blonde. I hope you noticed me. I was the guy with his two kids. Tell me which food lion.

She said (Stafford)

It’s only when you’ve lost me that you’ll realize why I was worth more than the limited effort you gave. I had to protect my heart because my love for you consumed more of my mind and soul than I should ever have allowed without receiving the same in return.