Missed Connection – Outside Ron The Barber (6/3/23)

photo by Ron Cohn

Ed. Note: If this was you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP.

“Deaer PoPville,

A very handsome human struck up a conversation with me as I was walking up 14th Street on Saturday (June 3rd). He exited Ron the Barber / Trina’s Hair Gallery, and exclaimed, “wow, what a beautiful day”. I turned to smile and agree, at which point he asked if he could walk and chat with me, mentioning he was trying to connect with strangers more. I was immediately taken with his confidence and friendliness that I said “yes”.

(Him: black shirt, jeans, freshly cut hair, sunglasses, amazing smile; Me: frizzy hair in a bun with a cloth headband, navy blue tank, jean shorts)

He introduced himself,

talked about where he was heading in his career within the DoD, mentioned going on Tinder dates, and brought up his love for travel. (He said he’ll be going to Amsterdam this summer!) He asked to learn more about me, and I shared details about my new job and my passion for increasing access to study abroad opportunities for college students. He was actively listening, asking questions, and taking genuine interest. By the time we got to 14th and U St, he was telling me about how, in the past three years, he’s proud of how far he’s come and that people see him for who he truly is.

I was so shy and nervous that I not only forgot his name, but immediately regretted not asking for his number when we parted ways. I looked back as I crossed U St, smiling at the amazing moments that occurred, but didn’t turn back to get his attention again. (He clearly had gone out of his way to walk a couple of blocks with me, and turned back south on 14th.)

To this wonderful stranger: if you’re reading this, know that you made my day and I couldn’t stop smiling my entire walk back to Mt. Pleasant (I gave up on that bus I was hoping to catch). I’d love to hang out and chat more.

And to those who are finding it difficult to connect in this city: hang in there; there are some awesome, genuine people here.”

Ed. Note: If this is you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. PoPville is not affiliated with either party, please proceed with any potential connection at your own risk using caution as you would any online encounter. For those curious about past missed connections, many have been made and when possible I’ll try to update when/if more are made. The Aslin MC was just made!