Things You'll Need:
- A computer and internet connection
- An secret object of affection
- Patience and good humor
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Step 1
Identify your connection.
A missed connection is more than an evanescent sexual longing-- that's what the Casual Encounters page is for. A missed connection belies a spine of sincerity. It should be reserved for those moments when you catch something beyond sexuality that piques your curiosity, be it an esoteric band shirt or book, an intriguing snatch of overheard conversation, or that elusive something that makes you believe, if only for a moment, in fairy tale love. When you see him or her, you will know. -
Step 2
Make an attempt at connecting in real time.
If you have indeed found a person with whom you would like to connect, make a token effort at getting their attention or speaking with them. This will not only give you a good impression of whether or not they are interested in you, but can also act as a reference point when later writing your missed connection. This does not need to be a particularly forward or brazen attempt at conversation, it can be as simple as saying, “You dropped your glove.” or, “Excuse me, do you have the time?” It need only be a bookmark, something you can reference later. -
Step 3
Using Craigslist.com.
Sign on to Craigslist.com for your area. You can search “craigslist” and your town or city on Google.com if you do not know the address to your local site. Click the “post to classifieds” link on the top left of the screen. Select the “personals/romance” link, and then the “missed connections” link. Select your appropriate gender breakdown, and then fill the appropriate fields. -
Step 4
Write your title.
When writing the title of the missed connection, it is important to identify your intended connectee. Otherwise, they may never read it. Avoid vague titles, like, “Girl in glasses at Starbucks.” while also avoiding creepily specific titles, like, “Boy with 32 inch waist wearing yellow socks and talking to his mother on IM while listening to MGMT on headphones and sitting next to the window at Starbucks from 2:34 to 3:09.” lest you frighten your would be love. Again, avoid sexual titles too, lest you be dismissed as a shallow pervert. The proper title should be tasteful and specific, such as, “Curly haired Starbucks barista with forearm tattoo.” or “Tall boy in denim at Starbucks drinking green tea.” Get their attention and save the sale for the body of the missed connection. -
Step 5
Write the content.
This is your 15 seconds to sink or swim. Ideally you have the attention of your love interest, and they are intrigued enough to want to know more. Be poetic. Be charming. Be tasteful. You have a brief moment to convince them that you are worth their time. Mention the previous connection that you made. Example: “Your smile shakes up the inside of my head like a snow globe. Sigh and swoon, says the girl in the green dress who didn't know the time. Let me buy you a tea. Let me tell you a story.” be brief and quirky. Make them interested in you while being honest. -
Step 6
Be patient.
Responses will be sent to the email address you provide to Craigslist, but your email address will not be visible to others. Your crush may not be the type to respond electronically. They may wait 'til they see you again and approach you in person. They may not ever see the post. They may not be interested. This is inherently a mysterious way to show affection, and is therefore unpredictable. If you are a shy bones, it's an amazing way to passively approach someone, but don't be heartbroken if it doesn't work immediately, and most importantly, don't rely on missed connections as a litmus to detect if he or she is in to you. It is at best a tool and not a crutch. Good luck!
Comments
cobrakai said
on 11/15/2009 Very good and thoughtful article. 5* recommended
missnye said
on 11/15/2009 Wow! I never knew that section of craigslist existed. You are a really good writer. I look forward to seeing more of your articles!*****