Charmed is a series of reader-submitted missed connections sent to The Banner on Instagram. These are almost-love stories — passing glances, shared laughs, moments that lingered just a little too long and made someone wonder about a next time.

This Valentine’s Day, Charmed went IRL, collecting handwritten missed connections at Dyke Nite, a recurring queer party hosted by Ottobar.

Partygoers wrote notes to people they shared a moment with or wished they’d met — either at the party or from long ago — and posted them on a board that was full by the end of the night.

Some patrons went the other way and submitted personals, and while Charmed is technically about missed connections, we decided to include those, too.

If you think a submission is about you, or if you want to reply to a personal: Reach out by responding to this form. We’ll share your message and contact info with the original poster. If they’re interested in connecting with you, they’ll get in touch directly.

No promises, but hey — maybe it’s a match? ❤️

Submissions about partygoers

Everyone I made out with in the corner — there was an extended polycule of like six of you. — Skye

You kindly told me where the coat check was when I looked lost holding my coat. You were wearing a cute white shirt with bows. I was in the pink halter top and jeans with the extroverted friend. — Charlotte, 24

There was this hot Finnish girl tonight who has beautiful eyes and liked to watch Sabrina the Teenage Witch. — Jules, 24

You were in the corner by the Banner table and you looked so cute. Dark blue long-sleeve shirt. You looked shy and I didn’t want to scare you, but you looked amazing. — Lindsay, 31

At the mini stage you were in the corner watching Salem in the red dance. You had glasses and a red tank top on. — Ashlen

I called you “pretty” tonight then walked away. I went for a smoke break now you’re kissing someone else ... MY BAD. — Unknown

I’m 6′1″ and you were about eye-level with my boobs. I felt some things about it. — Unknown

Beyond the party

You were a teacher outside Aliceanna Social Club. It was January of last year. I was wearing a red, cat-eared beanie. Was it a convo or something more? — Asinia

I saw you outside that haunted house event in October 2025. The first thing that caught my eye was your cozy orange sweater. We talked for a weirdly long time about our passion for jigsaw puzzles. Sorry I knocked your glasses off as I was leaving :(. I was super nervous. Been thinking about you almost daily since. — Julie, 25

You were a grad student at Loyola voice clinic at Belvedere Square, you had red hair and lots of rings. Your hands were shaking during my mechanical exam. Did we have a vibe or was it just in my head? — Juna, 30

You were at the TWRP show a couple years ago. You ordered BBQ chips from the bar, which I had also done because I had forgotten to eat. I was wearing a tank top with sharks, and you were wearing a collared shirt, also with sharks in it. Hit me up, sharkboy ... — Jamie, 27

Your bangs, immaculately straight, jet black hair and bronze complexion make you look like a latin goddess, with beauty on par with [illegible]. Your smile shines like the sun upon a once clouded earth, parting veils of rain to bring radiant sunshine. I can’t believe we’re in the same social work program at UMB. — Mars

It was New Year’s this year at the Eagle’s Nest. We were dancing together when midnight hit. You had the most amazing face makeup I’ve seen and a massive smile. We kissed and I wish we connected on IG. — Laurel, 33

Personals

Any other over-40 queers? Do you miss the unknown? Do you yearn for the quiet? Do you celebrate the joy? Where were you when your eyes broke open? Where will you be when they call for witnesses? — Michelle, 41

Do you like ... getting high? Defacing private property? Making art? Or just enjoy punk puppy girls? Give me a call!!! — Iris, 29

Butch looking for (especially) other mascs/butches. Please HMU? — Max, 21

Hey cutie! I might talk endlessly about my cats (I have two and foster three more) but otherwise I know a lot of cat facts! I’ll share them along with my heart. I also love to make art. I’m sweet and pink — could we meet for a drink? — Kate, 24

Where the butches at? In Towson? Aveley Farms Coffee LOVES butches. — Ava, 22

Think you’ve had a missed connection? Tell us about it.