An Astoria Bound Train

I found it interesting when the MTA decided to re-open the W train line; at once I was like "yeah, one more train to & from Astoria" and on the other hand, I was like "why did we lose Q train service to Queens; Queens freaking starts with that letter..."

But now I am grateful for the W train. W for Win. W for Wow! W for Well hello there, hottie!

Case # 2: The One About the Blondie

I found myself awkwardly pressed up against a door, so I moved across the train car to the opposite door where there was more room. I looked up - and lo and behold - there was super hot blonde with a beard. I typically don't go for blondes, but I do like a good beard, and his face was adorable.

It was time to try my eye contact magic. This would be my first experiment!! And what a doozy!

He was with two other people; a guy and girl, but they were pretty absorbed with each other. I'm sure he was feeling like a sad third wheel (never projecting my own personal experience, of course) and when he looked up, I caught his eye. He looked back, and I quickly averted my gaze. But ladies, he was just so darn cute, I had to look back. And I caught his eye, again. This happened a few more times, with me "coyly" (when have I ever been coy in my life!?) looking away after a few seconds of eye contact.

On the third time, he smiled slightly and raised his eyebrows at me a couple of times.

{Swoon} Be still my heart! 

At this point, it was a real internal struggle: what do I do with my hands?! So I did like any millennial and started typing on my phone; except we were underground with no service, so I was at a standstill.

I dared to glance back one more time, and he broke into a full smile. I decided to reciprocate - and then.... I started laughing. 

Yup. Laughing. Not like, out loud and hysterical laughter, but the quiet giggling a girl does when she's awkward and nervous and a really cute boy is eye flirting (is that a thing!?) on the train! 

It came to my stop and the doors open; did I chance glancing back? I did, over my shoulder, but alas, he was in conversation with his friends. 

How did I feel? Well, flustered. And also, extremely confident and flattered. I found him attractive, and based on the eye contact he was giving me, he also found me attractive. It was subtly flirting, without a word being exchanged and I felt bold and empowered!

What did I learn? Don't try and be cool in your awkwardness by pulling out your phone to text when no one else has service. I'm sure he saw right through it ;) 

• I can smile, like a real smile - showing teeth and everything - at a cute boy who is smiling at me
• I didn't die. Yet again. Why do I always run to a catastrophe in my mind prior to this?
• If you're uncomfortable where you're standing on the train, move. You never know who you'll see
• I can allow this to be a flirtatious moment with a stranger without daydreaming or wishing it was anything else - because again, that's not the point of this! 

What can I impart to you? 

• It's totally fine and giggle and be silly if a cute boy gives you some attention. Whatever, who cares? Laughing releases endorphins anyway
• If a guy wiggles his eyebrows at you, he probs thinks you're hot, so take the compliment for what it is and enjoy! 
• The W train isn't all that bad after all!