Random Strangers

I've never been big on Craigslist, even though I've heard a bit about it over the years since it started. This site has a lot to offer, and if you're thinking their personals section is just a big fuck fest because it's free, you're kind of right. For the most part, there's some strange stuff going down. But then, I've found responses and people on there better than the guys eHarmony deemed worthy of me based on my 82 point or whatever-the-fuck personality profile. As much as this hurts, because it was expensive and disappointing, I paid for a subscription to eHarmony a few months ago. The quality of people on there was very disappointing. I've very much enjoyed the conversations I've had with a few of the people I've contacted (and who've contacted me) through Craigslist.

One in particular that I wanted to write about. He posted this ad entitled "Looking for insight?" and offered to listen to any women's 'man problems.' Free of charge, no less. I think it's something he just likes to do. So I wrote him about this situation that's been going on in my life for a while. It was refreshing to not get a sugar coated opinion. And no even an opinion, guy advice from a guy is damn near close to fact. He asked me important questions and helped me analyze the situation, and stop over-analyzing it.

I used to hear about these hotlines where it was like chump change a minute just to talk to someone. Not a sleazy sex line, just someone to talk to. Someone to listen. Those lines were actually a bit more successful than most, because humans need someone to talk to. Sometimes it's easier to talk to a random stranger about what's troubling life than it is a close friend. And I love my friends. I don't fear their judgment. I don't mind opening up to them. It's just in this situation I needed a fresh and clean perspective. Someone from outside that hasn't held my hand through the joys, laughed at my amused frustration, or patted my head while I cried. Although I really appreciate the people who have done this. I'm not sure what my mental state would be without you (I LOVE YOU MELISSA. I do. I think about you all the time).

The truth is, I need someone I can just talk to. Just spill all the beans. I've used various folks on the internet. One was Crystal, in a way. One of her past posts inspired something in me, and I could relate a lot to what she'd written. The guy from Craigslist, the random stranger? His name is Brian. At least, that's what the e-mail said (I hope you don't mind, dude.. I mean.. if you ever read this nonsense I write). There are various others, but these are the two who've recently made an impact. An impact in a random stranger's life. Some girl, from the internet, that they took a moment to listen to. Well, in Crystal's case, she took a moment to not be afraid, and wrote something no one understood until I came along and read it (at the time, hopefully someone else could relate to it). So this is a big heartfelt thank you to anyone out there who takes the time to help a friend or some random person.