It was Thursday afternoon, 27 March, and we were sitting next to each other on a train from Manchester. I sneezed. Later on you sneezed. I said "bless you", which started a conversation about manners, becoming grumpy at my age (38), becoming grumpy at your age (27 I think!), not getting a "thank you" in shops, and how tired we both were. It was an easy and instant connection, but unfortunately only a short one, because you got off at Stafford I think. I said that we should have started talking earlier. I think you agreed that would have been a good idea. Was gonna go for the whole phone number thing, but bottled it, so here I am tapping an out ad to cyberspace instead. You said you were going home to a bottle of wine, which I agreed sounded like a wonderful idea. But unfortunately, you neglected to invite me. You could be anyone, but I know you're someone. Dark hair, cute as hell, late 20s, lovely smile, articulate and friendly. Wish I could remember the eye colour but I just can't quite picture it. You were reading a book, the title of which also escapes me. I was (well, still am!) 38, dark hair, greying, brown jacket with faint stripe, Ipod and a clever book to make me look intellectual on trains. Just would like to know who you are, and perhaps arrange to finish our conversation about sneezing and manners sometime. I wonder if you're out there.

Contact details

• Email: Click here to reply to this ad

Anti spam: Do NOT contact me offering services or anything of a commercial nature.