16 minute read
Ask the Reverend
i Y
If you’ve been spied, go online to contact your admirer!
dating.sevendaysvt.com
GIRL AT THE THRIFT SHOP
We chatted and shared a few laughs. You are the cute brunette with the Tigger shirt. I’m the man who’s gray around the edges and told you a joke. ought maybe we had a moment. Would you like to grab a coffee and chat? When:
Saturday, September 17, 2022. Where: Replays. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915632
ON CAMEL’S HUMP SUMMIT
We talked about the trails on the mountain and about your work as a traveling nurse — up here until December. Afterward, I was sorry we weren’t going down the same way. If you’d like to get together for a hike or a coffee, that would be cool. When: Saturday, September
17, 2022. Where: the summit of Camel’s Hump. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915631
BRUNETTE BEAUTY, RDH
I spied you over some apple crisp and a stack of Breton crackers while you sat at the bar. Your eyes locked with mine more than once in a playful manner, but you may have been reacting to my fl atulence. Care to meet up again at the same place? I’ll bring some Bean-o. When: Wednesday,
September 14, 2022. Where: Winooski. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915630
TRASH TALKINGS
Saw you dropping off my trash and recycling at CSWD. You were in scrubs. I was questioning my parking abilities. Your smile made my day, and your encouragement for better parking days ahead felt right. Coffee? Talk trash?
When: Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Where: CSWD drop-off center. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915629
SANDBAR
Chatting with you. Should have gotten your number. I think we should chat. When: Saturday, September
10, 2022. Where: Sandbar. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915625 PUPPY PLAYDATE?
We met at Petco, and you showed me a picture of your dog, Riley, while making her a new tag. Does she want to meet for a puppy playdate? Let us know! When:
Monday, September 12, 2022. Where: Petco. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915628
CUTIE WITH A DEAD PHONE
I was sitting on my porch. You were walking by and asked to borrow a phone charger. I think you could tell I was into you. You said you hoped to see me again. Maybe responding to my iSpy is easier than catching me on the porch. When: Monday, September 12,
2022. Where: down the hill from UVM. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915627
IF TWO BY SEA
You were spending a lovely day at the beach, as was I. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t have changed a thing but maybe would have tried to have been more engaging with you. Just was respecting your and your friend’s space. Perhaps another time, another place.
When: Sunday, September 11, 2022. Where: Lake Caspian, Greensboro. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915626
HEY CULLIGAN WOMAN!
To the brunette woman who drives for Culligan (I can’t remember your name): I just wanted to say I think you are totally sexy! Would love to get to know you sometime when you aren’t lugging jugs of water! When: ursday, August 25,
2022. Where: carrying lots of water. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915622
SANG ALONG TO DAVID GRAY
I sang “Babylon,” and your entire table sang along to “ e Freshmen” by the Verve Pipe during my gig in Jeffersonville. I loved your enthusiasm and your silvery hair. Care to meet up for a drink? When: ursday,
September 8, 2022. Where: the Village Tavern. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915621 LOVE OF MY LIFE
To the love of my life: I see you in my dreams. I see you during my waking moments. I’ve watched you grow into the most beautiful woman, mother and best friend I could ever ask for. I look forward to the many more years to come. Your Papa Bear. When: Friday,
September 9, 2022. Where: dreamland. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915624
I’M SO PROUD OF YOU!
You: a trans woman who stopped in at my place of work to discuss a mutual project. Me: cis woman. I see you. I saw how comfortable you seemed in your own skin. I don’t know you or know your path, but I’m so proud of you for being you and being true to yourself. Keep on being you! When: Wednesday, September
7, 2022. Where: around town. You: Trans woman. Me: Woman. #915623
SHELBURNE FARMS
I really hate to resort to this because it never works, and, quite honestly, if someone iSpied me, I would probably freak out. You had long, curly blond hair, were wearing black shorts/black top, and were taking a picture of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. I walked by and said hello, and we ended up walking the same way. When: Wednesday,
September 7, 2022. Where: Shelburne Farms. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915620
BIKES PASSING IN THE MORNING
We were at the bottom of the Intervale hill around 7 a.m.; you were coming down while I was starting up. We smiled, and I said “Mornin’” as you zoomed past. When: Monday,
September 5, 2022. Where: Intervale Rd. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915619
GROCERY AISLE CROSSINGS
Labor Day afternoon. You: in a green hoodie. Me: in a raincoat and mask. We kept crossing paths in the aisles. At the checkout line, you said it was the last time we’d do that — I hope not. Next time, let’s just go shopping together! When: Monday, September
5, 2022. Where: Montpelier Shaw’s. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915618
SELF-CHECKOUT, SHAW’S, COLCHESTER
You: attractive brunette with great tan in the self-checkout line. Would love to know where you get such a great tan! When: Sunday, August
21, 2022. Where: Shaw’s, Colchester. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915608 FAMOUS FEET
You were leaving the store with your motorcycle helmet in tow and said something about forgetting something. I was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses and managed a sheepish smile. Safe travels, and if you read this and want to connect, please drop me a line. When: Sunday, August 28, 2022.
Where: outside Famous Footwear. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915615
NORTH END LAUNDROMAT, FRIDAY THUNDERSTORM
Big boom. Pretty woman said the lightening was 2.3 miles away; I suggested 1,000 feet. Not a fair day for you: farmer, chef and writer. I’d like to meet again, if only to buy some veggies. HMU. When: Friday, August 26,
2022. Where: North End Laundromat. You: Man. Me: Man. #915613
OTTER CREEK BAKERY, 24TH, LOVELY DRESS
You: lithe, short-haired blonde, pretty cream-and-black dress, black heels. Me: tall, glasses, ball cap, tomato-colored shirt, jeans. My comment on your pretty dress and how nice to see someone dressed up in Middlebury was answered with a big “ ank you” and lovely smile. I had to rush off. Care to have another coffee or perhaps lunch together?
When: Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Where: Otter Creek Bakery, Middlebury. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915612
TINY THAI CAT DAD
You had a super-cute kitty in the car while you were waiting for your to-go order outside. I should have told you about how I just started bringing my cat out to the park and how we should have a little cat play date. If you see this and are single, I’d love to do that. When:
ursday, August 18, 2022. Where: Tiny ai. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915611
DAYSIES, SPARKLY RAVEN-HAIRED BEAUTY
You: tall, pretty woman with glasses, beautiful long, curly black hair, fetching sparkly black pants/vest outfi t. Me: tall man, salt/pepper hair, pink blazer and tie, kept noticing you as we walked around the Daysies party. I wanted to say hi, didn’t fi nd the opportunity among the gaggle of revelers. Would you care to share a hello some other time soon? When: Friday, August 5, 2022.
Where: Daysies party, ECHO Center. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915602 SELF-CHECKOUT, SHAW’S, COLCHESTER
You: attractive brunette with great tan wearing shorts and sandals on Sunday, noontime. We were standing next to each other. Would love to know where you go to get such a great tan. When: Sunday, August 21,
2022. Where: Shaw’s, Colchester. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915610
CIDERSTOCK
You were wearing a bright yellow WeeBee Oil & Lube shirt (A+ fashion choice), and I was the blonde. We hit it off! I’m posting here because I’m pretty sure I accidentally deleted a digit in your phone number while saving it, so if you read this and actually did want me to have your number, sorry and please let me know! When: Saturday, August 20,
2022. Where: Woodchuck Ciderstock. You: Man. Me: Woman. #915609
WOMAN AT WATERVILLE MARKET
We met outside the Waterville market on the 109. We chatted about your dogs, young Daisy and her Rottweiler mom — both present in the car. You work long weeks in caregiving. Me: Chris. Gray beard, cap, dark T-shirt. You seemed very sweet and so lovely! Drop me a line here if you’d like to get in touch. When: Saturday, August
6, 2022. Where: Waterville market. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915603
REDHEAD, HUNGER MOUNTAIN HIKER
Met you on top of Hunger Mountain. You were with two friends. Did we almost make a connection, except for me not getting it? If so, let’s do a hike together and get to know each other. When: Wednesday, August
3, 2022. Where: Hunger Mountain. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915598
ESSEX DISCOUNT BEVERAGE
About 12:30. We talked about the sandwiches and the stuff on the counter. You like the turkey bacon, and I like the BLT but was going with the ham. If you’re single, I would enjoy talking to you again. Hope your lunch was great. And hope to talk to you again. Gerry.
When: Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Where: Essex Discount Beverage. You: Woman. Me: Man. #915595
AskREVEREND
Irreverent counsel on life’s conundrums
De Rev end,
My father passed away in January. My mother has already gotten involved in a relationship with a man who was good friends with both of my parents. My siblings and I think it’s too soon and she hasn’t taken enough time to grieve our dad. How do we approach the subject with her?
Mi Ingdad
De Mi Ingdad,
Popular belief says a person who has lost a spouse should wait at least a year before starting to date again. But popular belief doesn’t always translate well to real life.
Everyone grieves differently, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. ere is also no timeline that one must adhere to. I don’t know how your father died, but if he was ill for a while, perhaps your mom started grieving his loss even before he passed.
I know it must be strange to see your mother with a new person, but the most important thing is that she is happy. I’m sure she still loves and misses your dad, but life keeps moving and she’s found a way to roll with it. Your father wouldn’t want her to be sad forever, so you and your siblings shouldn’t, either. e man she’s seeing was already a friend, so they had a good head start on the relationship. Your father liked him, too, so if you trusted his judgment, rest assured that the new guy isn’t a jerk. It’s fi ne to talk to your mother about what’s happening, but try not to let your feelings override the conversation. Keep in mind that fi nding love once in a lifetime is magical. Finding it a second time, especially later in life, is close to a miracle, and it should be celebrated.
moving and she’s found a way to roll with it. Your father wouldn’t want her to be sad forever, so you and your siblings shouldn’t, either. e man she’s seeing was already a friend, so they had a good head start on the relationship. Your father liked him, too, so if you trusted his judgment, rest assured that the new guy isn’t a jerk. It’s fi ne to talk to your mother about what’s happening, but try not to let your feelings override the conversation. Keep in mind that fi nding love once in a lifetime is magical. Finding it a second time, especially later in life, is close to a miracle, and it should be celebrated.
Good luck and God bless, The Rev end
What’s your problem?
41-y/o male, formerly moderately handsome, now world-weary, depressed and socially isolated, looking for 30- to 50-y/o female to share time with. I’m über friendly and considerate, but years of depression and self-doubt have rendered me something of a self-hating loner. Interested to hear about you and your story. #1609
Gracious, attentive, educated, humorous soul seeks a fi t, tender and natural female counterpart (52 to 65) to bask in autumn splendor. I prefer simplicity over complexity, quiescence over commotion and creativity over conformity. Hot cider and ginger cookies await! #1607 Older male wishes to share exhibitionist fantasies with older women. I’ll tell you mine if you share yours. Cosplay possibilities. #1608
Female, 60, seeks an intelligent, curious and open man to ponder/explore things like the perfect bite of a meal, the wonder of the stars, the meaning behind a piece of art, the answers to a crossword puzzle and more. #1606
I’m a 70-y/o male seeking a woman, 60 to 75 y/o. I’m active, love the outdoors, walks on beaches and camping. Alone and lonely. Would like to meet for companionship. #1604 I’m a SWM seeking a SBF. Kinkier the better. Love women’s clothes, high heels, stockings, and painted toenails. Very clean. Phone. #1605
An open letter to all the beautiful women, couples and men with lifestyle swing interests. WM, 6’1, very handsome and adventurous. Looking for daytime fun! Let’s play! #1603
Woman, 57. Healthy, respectful, genuine. I’d like to share the last dance with a man in the country. A man who is kind, healthy and stable. A man who cares about how he treats a person and is well liked by others. Phone number, please. #1600
Male, 66, seeking whip-smart woman for companionship and thoughtful conversations about the natural world, music, art, history, poetry, beauty, psychology, relationships, love, desire, play, happiness, gardening, aging, loss, impermanence, interdependence, meditation, consciousness, physicality, mind, this world and the beyond. #1594
Chittenden County female, 52, seeking male 52 to 60. I’m veg, progressive, educated, nonsmoker, nondrinker, a dog and bird person. I love art, architecture, museums, documentaries, old classics, organic gardening and DIY projects. #1601 I’m a 65-y/o male seeking a 60-plus female or a trans female. Looking for single or married females and transgender females for fun. Discreet only. Live in Vermont during the summer months, Ocala, Fla., in the winter. Come play. #1596
Romance is nice, but what I really need is “family.” Are you a bright, well-educated, optimistic, compassionate, older but active person who happens to be alone? I am convinced that there are perfectly wonderful people out there who, due to no fault of their own, have no spouse, children or signifi cant others in their lives. Friends are great, but they are busy with their own families. It has been a particularly diffi cult summer with many people reuniting with family members after the long period of isolation imposed by the pandemic. Meanwhile, other people have become more lonely than ever! If you have needs similar to mine and meet the criteria set out above, I look forward to hearing from you. 74y/o female in Addison County.
#1599
ISO sympathetic connection with BM stud and his woman. In need of attentive oral service. Mature WM offers body massage and friendly fulfi llment of need for compatible couple.
#1595
Male, 66, seeking singular female. Talk to me, you of open heart and mind, embracing the beyond within. Tell me a dream you’ve had; relate a moving poem; describe something beautiful. Paint in words: How do you experience this life?
#1597
I’m a GWM seeking gay or bi men for NSA fun. I can be discreet if needed. I’m fun and adventurous. Primarily sub but can be aggressive. Mid-central Vermont, south of Rutland. #1593
54-y/o single male seeking a 40- to 60-y/o single woman. Looking for conversation, dating and possibly more. I like the outdoors, taking walks, bonfi res, karaoke and dancing. Let’s meet in Danville. Phone number, please. #L1589
Int net-Free Dating! Reply to these messages with real, honest-to-goodness le ers. DETAILS BELOW.
HOW TO REPLY TO THESE LOVE LE ERS:
Seal your reply — including your preferred contact info — inside an envelope. Write your pen pal’s box number on the outside of that envelope and place it inside another envelope with payment. Responses for Love Letters
must begin with the #L box number.
MAIL TO: Seven Days Love Letters P.O. Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402 PAYMENT: $5/response. Include cash or check (made out to “Seven Days”) in the outer envelope. To send unlimited replies for only $15/month, call us at 802-865-1020, ext. 161 for a membership (credit accepted).
PUBLISH YOUR MESSAGE ON THIS PAGE!
Submit your FREE message at sevendaysvt.com/loveletters or use the handy form at right.
We’ll publish as many messages as we can in the Love Letters section above.
Describe yourself and who you’re looking for in 40 words below:
(OR, ATTACH A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER.)
AGE + GENDER (OPTIONAL)
Required confi dential info:
NAME
ADDRESS
ADDRESS (MORE)
CITY/STATE
ZIP
PHONE
_______________________________________________________ MAIL TO: SEVEN DAYS LOVE LETTERS • PO BOX 1164, BURLINGTON, VT 05402 OPTIONAL WEB FORM: SEVENDAYSVT.COM/LOVELETTERS HELP: 802-865-1020, EXT. 161, LOVELETTERS@SEVENDAYSVT.COM THIS FORM IS FOR LOVE LETTERS ONLY. Messages for the Personals
EVENTS ON SALE AT SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM
Queen City Ghostwalk Grateful Wednesdays
WED., SEP. 21 UNION STATION, BURLINGTON
Seasons of Life: A Supportive Community for Women
WED., SEP. 21 ONLINE
Fall Foliage Landscape Design
THU., SEP. 22 HORSFORD GARDENS & NURSERY, CHARLOTTE
True Crime Burlington Tour
THU., SEP. 22 COURTHOUSE PLAZA, BURLINGTON
James Graham and Company - Live from The Underground
THU., SEP. 22 THE UNDERGROUND, RANDOLPH
Basil Bash Featuring Cooking with Stephanie
THU., SEP. 23 RED POPPY CAKERY, WATERBURY
Queen City Ghostwalk Darkness Falls Tour
FRI., SEP. 23 COURTHOUSE PLAZA, BURLINGTON
BOOKCLUB PRESENTS: Loser Lap - A New England Snowboard Film
FRI., SEP. 23 ARTSRIOT
Swing Time!
SAT., SEP. 24 GRANGE HALL CULTURAL CENTER, WATERBURY
SAT., SEP. 24 GRANGE HALL CULTURAL CENTER, WATERBURY
Queen City Ghostwalk Darkness Falls Tour
SUN., SEP. 24 COURTHOUSE PLAZA, BURLINGTON
SUN., SEP. 25 GRANGE HALL CULTURAL CENTER, WATERBURY
Community Concerts at First: Cricket Blue with Trio Arco
SUN., SEP. 25 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ESSEX
Queen City Ghostwalk Elmwood Cemetery Tour
SUN., SEP. 25 ELMWOOD CEMETERY, BURLINGTON
Facing Change Life’s Transitions and Transformations
WED., SEP. 28 ONLINE
Queen City Ghostwalk Grateful Wednesdays
WED., SEP. 28 UNION STATION, BURLINGTON
Cheese & Chocolate Pairing Class
FRI., SEP. 29 RICHMOND COMMUNITY KITCHEN, RICHMOND
Live from The Underground Rik Palieri
FRI.,SEP. 29 THE UNDERGROUND, RANDOLPH
True Crime Burlington Tour
FRI., SEP. 29 COURTHOUSE PLAZA, BURLINGTON
Octoberfest: Full Barrel Pop-Up Beer Garden
FRI., SEP. 30 FULL BARREL CO-OP, BURLINGTON
FIND EVEN MORE EVENTS ONLINE AT SEVENDAYSTICKETS.COM
SELLING TICKETS?
• Fundraisers • Festivals • Plays & Concerts • Sports
WE CAN HELP!
• No cost to you • Local support • Built-in promotion • Custom options
