Thanksgiving is coming, and everyone is traveling. Plague or no plague, we’re all gonna go see grandma this Thanksgiving, because this might be the last time we get to see her (especially if we give her COVID while we’re there). This isn’t really a viable long-term strategy, but then, neither are Missed Connections, and that doesn’t stop us from continuing to post and derive enjoyment from them week after week. So hey, why not take a few minutes away from your disease-risking commute back to the old home place and enjoy some of the sublime, ridiculous glory that is the Missed Connections?

Why not indeed. This week, we’ve got all sorts of non-COVID-related behavior, from reaching blindly under the fridge for some dropped airpods to wandering around Food Lion with no underwear on. We’ve also got tales of Friday the 13th misadventures at the car wash,

We’ve even got one story from the glory days of Regency Square Mall, which any of you longtime Richmonders know was more than a minute back. Best of luck to the guy trying to find the girl from the Applebee’s that closed years ago — but hey, next time you should maybe consider posting your Missed Connection a little closer to the date of the incident.

Time is of the essence, Virginia.

You dropped ur AirPods (The Fan)

We were in tugwell market and your AirPod fell underneath the fridge. I said I have small hands and I got it out for u. Would u like to get to know each other?

You were gonna go commando and meet me at Food Lion

(If you see this, be sure to email me to confirm meeting time.)

The one on New Market Rd. And you were gonna bring your skateboard. Sorry I was so tough on you. I was just disappointed. Please, let’s try this again. We will just go with the flow. I’m a good dude and a true friend. That said, it’s hot you plan to leave your underwear at home!

I miss having friends

I miss having friends that I can message whenever and go have fun. I haven’t had any one in so long and I would like to start reaching out again.

Thanksgiving date (Henrico)

Sbm here looking to spend the day with a nice woman. Age or race not important.Tell me a little about yourself in response.

Tesla at Tommy’s on Forest Hill 11/13 (Forest Hill)

Friday the 13th wasn’t that bad!

You decided to leave the car wash, but stopped and vacuumed your car. We exchanged a few pleasantries while you drove past.

I’d love to see how those Body Gloves fit!

M4M

You worked for the Caterer (Newport News)

We talked for a minute and you told me how much you like to cook and arrange flowers and also do some bartendering . You also said you might do some small intimate events . Really enjoyed meeting you as you were fun and flirty at the same time . Curious about learning more about you if you . Think it is cool you also do drag .

Wawa Tidewater Trail

You were asking me about my bike! I had a gold helmet on. You also commented about my shoes! You were bought a pack of smokes and you were driving I think it was a Grey Chevy Aveo. I thought you were cute and I liked your tattoo’s tell me what color my shoes were!

Saw you at Walmart and then regency square many years ago (Richmond)

First of all, I’m a guy and I’m looking for a long legged brunette I saw many years ago. I first saw you in walmart at short pump with an older lady, maybe your mom. Some weeks later, I was at Applebee’s in regency square with a few friends. You were at the bar with some people, and you walked by and we locked eyes. I’m still kicking myself for not coming to talk to you. I know this is the longest of long shots, but if you’re out there, I’d love to talk to you

Met a beautiful woman in late 2016 (Newport News)

Met a beautiful woman looking for more to life in late 2016. I wanted more too, but wasn’t quite ready. I think about her every now and then and want to see her again. Our first meeting was at Kohls. Let’s try again. 

South Roanoke Home Depot 11/20 (Roanoke, VA)

I wasn’t expecting assistance in loading the appliance, but when I turned around there you were. You helped load it into the van. We talked about the advantages of a van, and that it was nice not having to lift the appliance over the lip of a car trunk.

You have fascinating eyes. If you’re interested in continuing our conversation, let me know. If you respond, include something that let’s me know you’re the person who helped, such as first initial, color of the van, type of appliance, or something similar.

Load of wood in your front yard (N. Chesterfield)

You have a pickup in your front yard filled with firewood for sale. You sit on the porch sometimes and i like what I see.

You are plump and I Love it.

Get back to me and lets meet

Budget Blinds Guy (Midlothian Turnpike)

We were both driving along Midlothian yesterday. Thought you were cute as we pulled up along side each other and wanted to get closer. What were you and I driving and what time of day was it. Reply back with details.

TJ Maxx

Made a return today. Cashier was really nice and cute. I know, super outside shot but respond if you see this. I was wearing a long sleeve Nike shirt. Late 30s guy. Thanks 🙂

Same Schedules (Cave Spring Krogers)

Seems we always run into each other in Cave Spring Kroger and say hello. I know we have mutual acquaintances yet I actually don’t know your name. You tall female, long auburn hair.

Have no idea of your relationship status. Be interested at least in knowing your name.

…

You were coming out of WAWA by Westchester (Midlothian)

You were coming out of WAWA today with no mask on. You are a younger guy with dark hair and you had on black shorts. When I came back out you were standing there smoking a cigarette. Some guy came out and gave you something from his bag, I believe cigarettes. My guess is they would not wait on you because you did not have a mask. You drove away in a black car. Older guy here and I was standing there smoking as you drove passed.

Headlights (Norfolk)

I’m missing the dancers and bartender at Headlights since the pandemic, would love to hear from whoever may read this. Are any of you, or others who read this, doing private dances now? 

Somehow, after the kind of month we’ve had so far — not to mention the year we’ve had so far — we’re all still here for another week’s Missed Connections. And if you read this week, you might be amazed to think that a plague is still loose on the streets, that social media is a constant garbage fire of disinformation and inflammatory lies. I guess it goes to show that somehow, love finds a way.

This week we’ve got plenty of hits from tattoo shop habitues and thrift store crawlers to couples looking for a hot machinist to make three. Well, at least one couple is engaged in that search… the rest of you are apparently just trying to find some beer and buds (and I don’t mean that as a synonym for “friends,” either — as if you didn’t know). This week also features an unusual number of references to hair color, as well. Is this a secondary effect from the fact that everybody is wearing a mask out in public these days?

Don’t ask me — drawing conclusions of that sort is way above my pay grade. I’m just trying to stay healthy and sane in a sick, crazy world. Hearing about someone with a crush on the maintenance guy from the jail is just about my speed these days.

Stay out of trouble, Virginia.

Belle Isle on bikes (Richmond)

To the guy from MA who works on machines— my girlfriend said we should’ve asked you to come for dinner. Mention the company here you’re doing a job for so we know it’s you.

Hot Guy at Thrift Store (Virginia Beach)

You came in the store right before me…think you wanted me to walk close to you bc you were walking slow to the entrance. Checked me out the whole time. Tell me what I looked like/wore bc only YOU would know. All you others kick rocks….or masks…

Cute girl getting a tattoo yesterday 11/13 (Petersburg)

You were getting a tattoo. I should of said something but didnt. Now i’m regretting it. Tell me what color your car is and what shop if you see this.

Mary Jane

🌱🌿 Who wants Mary Jane?

Beer on the patio (Original Gravity)

It was a quick in, quick out…. But I stopped to chat with you about my purchase real quick. Who was the young lady at your table?????

Blonde girl and her friend parked in front of Chopt at Willow Lawn (Willow Lawn)

I initially walked past you and your friend sitting outside of Starbucks. I found a spot in front of Chopt, waiting for my 19 bus near the stops. I then saw you and your friend walking to your parked car in front of Chopt. The two of you dropped off some things in it and headed on foot, walking past me.

This post is for the blonde w/ the longer hair, wore sun glasses, taller, athletic looking and highly attractive. Don’t know if you noticed me, but I sure did unexpectantly. Message me back if you ever come across this.

-Michael.

Ginger with Red hoodie in Short Pump park (Richmond)

You, a ginger wearing a red bright hoodie, walking with a female… we looked and smile at each other, I the guy wearing a long sleeve shirt and walking with a male. I would love to see you and talk to you, maybe more 😉

Metro Richmond Zoo

You were at the zoo with (I assume) your 2 yr old daughter and we initially encountered each other while our girls fed the goats. I noticed you didn’t have on a wedding ring. We kept crossing paths throughout the zoo but didn’t really talk. You had on black pants. I found you very attractive and kick myself for not saying more. It’s a long shot but maybe I’ll find you again.

Sonic drive-thru worker (Short Pump)

I ordered at Sonic today (Sat 11/14) at 4p and you were the cutest worker. Tell me your name and hopefully we can chat!

Nice Boom Box (Ocean View Beach)

Your husband was a Sailor too and away. You were 10 years older but it was love at first sight, at least for me. We even took a trip to Fort Lauderdale together. The first words you spoke to me sounded like the voice of an Angle. You will probably never read this but, I have never stopped loving you.

Returning from Palm Springs (Virginia Beach)

We sat together from Charlotte to Norfolk. You were returning from Palm Springs. Talking with you was amazing and I would love to chat some more. You were reading a book titled “Maybe You Should Talk To Someone”

Hot Blonde guy at Planet Fitness Suffolk (Suffolk)

Tall, muscular blonde guy at Planet Fitness in Suffolk on Tuesday night. We made eye contact when I was on a treadmill. You nodded and I nodded back with a little smirk. You went into the bathroomfor awhile. I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to follow you or not. Wanted to give you my email address but was nervous to approach you. Please let me know if I can help you out at all. Could be as simple as just a good massage for you after a workout.

Stafford Brewery (Stafford)

Saw you sitting a table tonight with a group of people. Looked over and made eye contact a few times before you left.

Tell me when and what I was wearing. I was with two other guys.

I was at these apts for some reason (Chamberlayne)

You came home and saw me chilling way out of place. Random mf with a beard and bandana. You came out with your dog, said hi with that lovely voice. I was gonna say hi when you finished cleaning your car but your buddy showed up. I’m sure I’ll see you again but if I can do it any sooner I have to try. Just tell me what i was doing cause you can’t trust these mfs.

maintenance guy at the jail in ? hopewell? (hopewell)

big blue eyes… tattoos… use to have a mo hawk sometimes lol always wear a hat so hard to say … drives big jacked up 4×4 trucks… in fact i need to talk to you about the black one w green stripes. (if you still have it?) tried to find you on facebook …next to impossible without name. ill know its you by answering a question only you would know the answer to. so scamers move on….lol

Willamsburg Rd (Richmond)

I saw you in a grey Mercury sedan. You are blonde with a goatee. You look tall and football player build. I think you are like 20’s. I’d like to meet up sometime.

Crunch west end – hot guy (Far west end)

Handsome guy, black pants and grey tan today, Friday. Tell me what you where working on today and if your single. Thanks,

The election has been called but I still can’t quite shake that lingering feeling of panic near the edge of my consciousness. If you know where I’m coming from on that, maybe you too are ready for a cleansing dip in the raw escapism of this week’s Missed Connections.

Well, as if it knows what you need, this week kicks off with multiple doses of the kind of extremely wholesome and adorable crushes that we can all relate to. Cuties riding motorcycles and smiling at you at the traffic light. Lovely fellow hikers in the state park. The classic coffee-shop meet-cute as steam drifts up from your cup and your eyes meet across a crowded room. Y’all — it’s fall. There’s a chill in the air. Let’s just give in to all this and pull up some romcoms on Netflix.

Before we do that, though, we’ve got some more… intriguing examples of the form hidden later on in this week’s batch. From dudes who start realizing they swing that way when checking out mustachioed cops (did this MC time-travel from 1978?) to tarot card shoppers and even a jazz band looking for dates of a different sort, the Missed Connections still have plenty of gems of a freakier nature. And god knows, at the end of the day, that’s what we’re here for.

Let’s get down with it, Virginia.

Roastology around 3pm on Sunday 11/8 (Richmond)

I doubt you will see this but like has been said, nothing ventured, nothing gained. You are a stunningly attractive woman with long brunette hair and were dressed all in black when I saw you at Roastology on Sunday afternoon. You walked past me multiple times, we made eye contact several times and shared a smile. I would have approached you but you were with a group of people and I didn’t want to intrude on your afternoon. I’d love to have coffee with you sometime and get to know you. If you’re interested let me know. I hope you are safe and doing well.

Hiking in Pocahontas (Chesterfield)

You (female) were hiking with your family on Sunday, down towards the dam. You stopped to read the sign near where I (male) was, while they walked ahead. Did you want to say hello? I would have responded in kind. How about a redo…

Key Lime Pie (Chesterfield)

As I sit here and eat this key lime pie all I can think is how I wish you were here to share it. And it makes me sad.

Slow Traffic Smiles (Near Waynesboro)

Saturday afternoon in stopped traffic around Waynesboro / Avon / vineyards. You: motorcycle ride on a beautiful day, strikingly handsome, visor up just to give me a smile. Me: dark hair, unable to stop smiling back at you in my mirror.

Total long shot, but your confidence made me melt and wish I was on the road with you.

Female at Iron Bridge Park (Iron Bridge Park- Chester)

I was running in the park and changing beside my truck when you drove by. You stopped to take a longer look and smiled, then you left the parking lot. But when I was driving out, you pulled back in. Wanting another look?? I’m game if you want, let me know.

Local cops looking hot

With cops not shaving this month for cancer awareness they are looking hot AF! The ones with the close cut scruff, damn. I saw one around Glen Allen with ink as well. I’m a dude, never thought I was gay but I do enjoy a hot looking uniformed guy. Hit me up.

Fighting Creek Park (Powhatan)

9ish this morning. Older lady walking I couldn’t help but looking. Me the younger guy who was walking my dog. I know you saw me looking. We smiled said hi. I wish i had the balls to say what I really thought and asked for your #. I know it’s a long shot. What color was my pup?

Jogging on birdneck (Virginia beach)

Who was that handsome guy jogging down my road on Saturday morning. I said hi and I had my mouth wide open 😳 lord, left me smiling all day. 😍

Colonial Parkway Blue Acura SUV 😉 (Williamsburg)

This is a long shot but here it goes. I Pulled up next to you on the parkway today, you were just sitting in your car looking hot, I was enjoying the view. Would love to pull up next to you again, this time a little hotter… 😉 😉 Hope you see this…

Blue Haired Hatsune Miku Trans(?) Girl at Wawa on Boulevard (Richmond)

Saw you at Wawa on Boulevard around 9:50am on 11/7, you were wearing a Hatsune Miku shirt and you had long blue hair with an undercut! I complimented your look and was too shy to ask you out, but after I left I came back in to get your number but you were gone. If this is you, message me back with what my sweatshirt was or what charm you had on your keychain so I know it’s you <3

This is for Lisa (Midlothian)

So, awkward, but we work together. Not in the same office all the time but sometimes. We get along great and to be honest, I can’t tell if it’s flirting or just friendly banter? Would love to get a clue. If you’re flirting it’s obvious I am not getting the hints, or at least, not clear.

Miss you (Uva)

Babe i miss you. I need you

wawa by VCC- Beer and ice cream tattoo chick (henrico)

at the wawa off rt1 by sonic. I was inline behind you with my kid getting candy, you had beer and ice cream and a flower tattoo on arm, never got your name. If you are her and wanna connect message me.

Tarot card game? (Richmond)

Did you happen to buy one Friday?

Do you agree with this…. (The Near West End)

“Some of the most poisonous people come disguised as friends and family”

If you agree, tell me about yourself. Would be great to hear from people who know all about it. Hopefully, you have a great sense of humour as well.

You rang?

I was reaching for my phone today when it started ringing. I completely forgot about the time long ago that i was reaching for my phone and it rang. It was you. I was excited to pick up. I remember that one time you came over in a robe. Loved it.

Jazz Band for the Holidays and More! (Richmond/Ashland/Petersburg)

In spite of all that is going on we still can bring the Entertainment to you! We are a contemporary smooth jazz band with references and we are available for any type of event large or small. Send a reply we will reply with samples and rates.

From your window

Every time I step out of my room I notice you in the window watching. Are you actually looking at me, or just always in that window? I’m a male btw, and you a female. Tell me something I would know so I know you’re the right person I’m inquiring about.

Beautiful Yorktown Condo Community Brunette (Yorktown Ft. Eustis Blvd)

Gorgeous woman at end unit near the community entrance and trash area who sits with an older lady outside. I see you nearly every day and on those that I don’t, I wish that I did. This time change is going to be brutal!

Sincerely,
The guy who tries to make eye contact while getting rid of the trash…

You looked like an angel… (Fredericksburg)

To the woman I saw in the grocery store: You looked so lonely, so bored, so unconfident, so tired of being ignored… but, I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. I tried not to look at you, but I couldn’t stop. I don’t think you saw me, but I saw you, and I hope, somehow, you’ll know I’m talking about you when you read this, and you’ll write to me.

Welcome to Missed Connections for the week after Halloween, where normally we’d expect a ton of notes for people in cute costumes who were spotted in bars. But there’s a pandemic afoot, so that kind of thing is bound to be a little thin on the ground this year. And let’s be real — we’re all a lot more likely to be worried about casting our votes and avoiding angry partisans than we are to have spent any time on our costumes last week.

But that’s OK, because there’s still some fun stuff in this week’s Missed Connections. And between face tattoos, cat ears, and lots and lots of all-black outfits, it seems some people still managed to get into the Halloween spirit. Meanwhile, men are still hanging out at Home Depot making jokes to each other about “hard wood” and wondering the entire time if they’re being cruised. Just log onto Grindr already, guys. On second thought, that would mean fewer amusing Missed Connections, so never mind — keep doing what you’re doing.

That said, if what you’re doing includes POSTING IN ALL CAPS, maybe that’s one aspect of your cruising strategy that could use a rethink. To be perfectly honest with you, all-caps posts are never a good look — especially if you were just at the ABC store. We all know what that means.

Anyway, let’s enjoy these Missed Connections today, and hope that we wake up tomorrow in a better world.

Fingers crossed, Virginia.

Girl with the barbed wire face tattoo at lamplighter (The fan)

We chatted about your fav Thai coffee drink while waiting outside of lamplighter today. Let me know if I can buy you your next one 🙂

Female in all black publix (Colonial heights)

My mouth is still on the floor at Publix. You looked phenomenal, you was dressed in all black with what I am assuming was a cardigan wrapped around your waste.

To the goth chick

You have no idea how bad I want you. Like, seriously. Nothing serious, either. If you like older men, say, in their 40s, we should chat.

HEY PEOPLE (Virginia Beach)

I AM WONDERING HOW EVERYONE IS HANDLING THE IN HOME ORDERS TO NOT GO MANY PLACES IN REGARDS TO THE VIRUS. HAS IT BEEN A CHALLENGING ORDEAL OR HAS EVERYONE LEARNED TO AJUST TO IT. I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES AND SEE HOW THINGS ARE GOING. THIS PERIOD IN OUR TIME HAS BEEN QUITE THE CHALLENGE. SO IF YOU WANT TO CHAT ABOUT IT THEN LETS GET STARTED.

Spiky jacket to cat ears at Wegmans (Fredericksburg)

Kind of a long shot, you said hi to me in passing after I had checked out, I got super flustered and probably came off as disgruntled. You seemed really sweet and I liked how soft your purple eyeshadow was blended! If by chance you see this, I’d really like to apologize; I was kicking myself the whole drive home.

USPS Beauty (Glen Allen)

Last week at the Exxon on Nuckols I was walking into the Exxon and you pulled up to the pump as I was walking and you gave me great smile. I was stunned as I had no idea there were such pretty postal workers. You I wish I lived on your route for sure. If you see this I would love to talk some more as I cannot get you out of my head.

Pink hair Starbucks drive thru Northampton (Virginia Beach)

You were working the drive-through Saturday afternoon at Starbucks on North Hampton. You have pink hair and that purple dress you were wearing just looks amazing. I wanted to say something to you because you are just incredibly beautiful . I made a comment about your hair so I don’t know if you remember or not. But you were really Rockin your outfit and I just wanted you to know in case nobody else told you. If you see this and you’re interested please respond

Shane (Virginia Beach)

Met you at home depot. We were talking about how we in the lumber section making hard wood jokes and you were saying you were new to woodworking. I felt like your jokes had an alternative meaning.

JJ ( abc store) (MIDLOTHIAN)

JJ,

I WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME PICK A NICE GIFT OUT THE OTHER DAY FOR THE HOST HAVING THE DINNER PART, THEY LOVED IT AND BY THE WAY YOUR CUTE AS HELL IF U SEE THIS HIT ME UP

Tesla car wash Monday (Glen Allen)

This is probably a shot in the dark but we met at the car wash on Monday. I was behind you in line and we spoke for a while about your beautiful Tesla. Tell me anything you noticed about me so I know it’s you.

Probably a coffee and a ride in your beautiful Tesla?

At the car tuner today

Hi

We talked about cars! Your car / right hand drive!!!! Dude you are hot!! Where are you from? ? Didn’t I notice an accent!!

Saw you at thrift store on little creek rd,Norfolk (HPT,NN)

Hi saw you around lunch time today,at thrift store USA ,Im from Hampton,we were talking in the record section,we have alot in common,same kind of pet,like older music,have lots of records I can share with you,forgot to give you my number!!!!! Maybe can have lunch or breakfast sometime and talk! Thanks Would like to hear from you,I have some phonos I need to find new homes for Give me a Hollar!

Planet Fitness

Long shot you’ll see this, but you had tattoos, 6’3, and really good muscles. I was with a friend and you complimented his shirt. Hit me up. I’d love to talk to you. Put what was on the shirt in the subject if you remember.

You use to wear a Rainbow band shirt to work (Fredericksburg)

Emily You live downtown By the docks and use to rock this Rainbow band shirt all the time. You are a huge fan of Titos vodka. You are a ton of fun but are not getting the kind of fun you crave.

New Neighbor (Fredericksburg)

You’re a bus driver who walks your white dog in front of my house almost every day. I don’t know how to approach you but I think you’re beautiful and would love to know you better. Reply or just swing by.

Missing my Boston Buddy

I know that you were quick to the draw but I loved the conversation. Hope the advice helped at home. Tried your email but you had deleted it. Please say hello again.