I travel a lot for my job and sometimes it is several months’ in-between assignments.  There's a
guy I met on the road and while I usually don't bother pursuing men, I made an effort to speak to
him.  Five months later, I was in his town again, and he looked directly at me and waited. Before
I could cross the room, a colleague pulled me away to talk to someone.
I wish I had refused and just taken a moment to say “hi”, at least. It will be three weeks before
I'm in his area again. What can I say?  How can I apologize?  I’m sure he's dating other women
and I must look like the most uncaring jerk in the world. I'm 28 and shouldn't be bumbling around
like this.

Missed opportunity

Dear Missed,

No need to apologize for something that could not be helped. Timing is everything and this
was not your time to meet and talk again. The next time you do see him, make sure you give
him your card or email address and that way you can keep in touch. Since he did see you, I
found it odd that he did not wait to talk with you when he had the chance. He may have been
there with someone else and was not able to talk with you at all. So, until you meet again and
get some answers keep your card handy for the next chance meeting of someone new, or get
their card.

Michael