I came out of the flat today about the same time as a chap was crossing the square. Ok, so I wouldn’t usually notice a random bloke crossing the square, but this one had good forearms, broad shoulders and – you’ve guessed it – long hair. Yes, I am officially predictable.

So anyway, I clocked this bloke and went on my way – I crossed the church yard my usual way, he went across the other way. Then I rounded the corner at exactly the same time as he did – we’d just gone opposite ways around the same block. I believe I giggled and smiled at him apologetically, and we went our separate ways.

Until we rounded the next block and almost ran literally into one another once again. By this point we were on the main road, which he crossed. I walked along the opposite side, as I always do, until I reached the zebra crossing – it’s the goody-two-shoes in me. And also, me plus cars equals a bad combination. I know I’ve never actually been hit, but I have certainly been clipped by enough wing mirrors to know that. Anyway, I crossed at the crossing just in time for us to turn up the same street. After which we went through the same cutting. And walked around the same road. Until he turned into an office just around the corner from mine – by which point he clearly found the situation as amusing as I did!

I love things like that – those special moments you can have with complete strangers when something tickles you both. I love the idea that part of your routine can coincide daily with someone you’ve never met. There are a number of people I pass every day from whom I can judge how early or late I am – the dad with a buggy and two cute kids, the frumpy lass who always looks so miserable, the incredibly stylish woman who wears the same black skirt suit every day and always looks impeccable. Mostly we just pass each other by – I don’t know if they even notice me the way I do them – but just occasionally you spark with someone. And a spark like that can light up your whole day!

(That reminds me of my Bill-Bailey-alike in Newcastle – remember him? The perfect example of how a total stranger can affect someone without ever knowing!)