If you're a hopeless (albeit clueless) romantic like me, you're probably quite familiar with the phenomenon of certain chance encounters known in movies as the "meet-cute," a slightly awkward, yet adorably memorable first meeting between two people seemingly destined to be together.
There's no denying that New York City is the Mecca of these chance encounters.
Between the countless cliche locations and mass amounts of young, single people, it's more than reasonable to expect at least ONE meet-cute in the lifetime of a New Yorker.
Yet somehow, it seems that these situations often go awry. All of the necessary elements are there, but the hoped-for result is quickly derailed by some unfortunate turn of events.
Here are 8 NYC meet-cutes and how they typically unfold.
1. The bookstore
He's already carrying an armful of books, so you know that this dude is an avid reader and definitely capable of engaging in some rousing literary conversation over drinks.
Right when you think he's about to suggest such a rendezvous, he instead reaches for a book and his wedding ring glares obnoxiously under the florescent lights. Sigh.
2. The subway
A tall, model-esque dude takes the seat next to you on the A train. He smells amazing, and he smiles at you when you assure him that yes, this train is going uptown.
You starting to feel like you're in the beginning of an episode of "Sex and The City" when your future Mr. Big expresses his confusion with the subway map.
Apparently he is a tourist who does not understand that Manhattan is an island. You smile politely and go back to your book.
3. The coffee shop
You lock eyes with the guy sitting at the table across from you at your local coffee shop.
You can't quite figure out if he's cute in a mysterious, scruffy kind of way, or in a serial killer kind of way, but you choose to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Just as you're picturing the novel he'll inevitably write about your love affair, he begins talking out loud to no one in particular and gesturing wildly.
You quickly look away and pretend that you are deeply entranced by your latte art.
4. The museum
You and a beautiful tousle-haired boy just happen to be gazing at the same painting at the Met.
You're about to try to impress him with some vague terms you remember from your middle school art class when his girlfriend suddenly appears out of nowhere.
You slink away to go find your parents, who you've come here with.
,5. On the street
You're heading down Broadway for your lunch break and see a friendly-faced guy a little ways ahead of you, smiling as you approach him.
"Excuse me, Miss. Do you have a moment?" he says as you pass by.
You are poised and ready to accept a marriage proposal from this handsome stranger until you notice the clipboard in his hands and name tag fastened to his shirt.
His name is Greg, and he wants you to get the most out of your phone plan. You mutter a, "No, thank you," and scurry off.
6. The park
The guy sitting on the bench next to you in Central Park totally just gave you the once-over and he’s not too bad looking himself.
You’re certain he’s about to make his interest known when instead he compliments your shoes. His boyfriend, who you’ve just noticed, likes them too.
You manage a simple, “Thank you,” and consider throwing yourself into a nearby pond.
7. The bar
You’re hanging out at a bar near your office after work when you realize that the bartender is staring in your direction.
He says your name as a question, and you smile and say, “Yes.”
He must recognize you from your improv show last weekend.
You’re prepared for the onslaught of compliments you’re sure he’s about to throw at you, when he holds up your debit card and tells you it’s been declined. You give him another card and promptly suggest that you and your friends head to another bar.
8. The missed opportunity
You’re headed home one night and pass a confused-looking guy standing on the sidewalk with a giant suitcase.
He stops you to ask where 28th Street is, and you realize he is British, and also gorgeous (what a combo!).
You gently point out that he is standing on 28th Street, and then keep walking on your merry way. You are two blocks away when it occurs to you that you have just missed a real life meet-cute opportunity with no apparent roadblocks.
But alas, it’s too late, the moment has passed, and you kick yourself the entire way home.
Perhaps the "meet-cute" is merely a fiction, only to be found Rom-Coms. But even so, living in New York, you're bound to have a few run-ins that make just as good (if not better) of a story.
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