If you haven’t checked them out or used them before, then the time has come.

Missed Connections is the section of the free website where people can post comments regarding other people they saw out and about somewhere. Maybe they shared a lingering glance in the frozen foods aisle at the grocery store but never actually traded contact information. Then later while sitting alone in front of their computers they realized they might have missed a chance for love or something naughty.

As a relationship observer and researcher, I love to wander this part of the website when I’m not posting my old Barbie dolls for sale.

Here is my favorite one ever. It’s probably because I have a career in television news.

You Interviewed Me This Evening – m4m – 41 (Eastside)

2013-01-29,  8:23PM MST

You came to my home to interview me this evening. You were really cute and I would love to hang with you and get to know you, if you swing my way. I can tell you are a great guy. We talked about a few other things besides the interview subject. Tell me something we talked about or the topic you interviewed me for so that I know it’s you. I am a good guy, good character.

I contacted via Craigslist the person who posted this note and asked for a comment from him about the post. He didn’t respond to me.

My friend and coworker Sarah confessed not long ago that she too has read Missed Connections just for the heck of it. I forwarded her the listing about the man looking for the male photographer because she too works in news. I knew she would get a kick out of it.

“They seem so real and so raw. It gives me the ability to see into someone’s mind and how they think when they feel they had a quick connection with someone.”

I’ve never had a strong emotional reaction to what people post or how people reply. I’m mostly amused. Sarah says, “The ones that make me laugh or cry are when I see someone post over and over. It’s really sad when the person seems so lonely. They appear crazy.”

I’ve wondered sometimes if the posts are legitimate. Did someone really get bowled over by a hot guy or gal they saw at the gas station or bus stop?

Sarah says yes. “I actually think that the majority of the postings are real. Some seem just like Craigslist Creepers, though.”

It’s comforting to know I’m not the only lurker. Sarah is another one. She also echoes a desire I have too.

“I’m kind of secretly hoping to find one posted for myself…!”