As a writing tutor, Denehy recognizes patterns such as commonly misused words. She believes one person is behind many of the more colorful ads on craigslist.

"The writing is almost exactly the same," she said. "I mean the words are different but the pattern of writing is the same."

At least one Columbia flower shop has seen a pattern of secret admirers ordering online.

"They're impersonal and sometimes they're over the top," said Leana Fitzgerald of Ambrosia Custom Floral Design. "But generally they're pretty impersonal, so you question whether that person even knew them that well."

But, vagueness in craigslist postings, intential or not, may be exactly what the writer intended.

"I think the guy has a better chance on craigslist than he does winning the lottery, because maybe the person he really did see at Wal-Mart getting Q-tips doesn't respond, but maybe someone else getting the Q-tips will respond," said Denehy. "And then it's his lucky day, maybe, hopefully."