The search for love is an eternal struggle and each era of mass media has played a part in finding it.

Before smartphones and dating apps, newspapers and print publications played the part of matchmaker. The personal ad was a way to write in anonymously and place an ad in a paper’s “classifieds” section, and, later, a designated “personals” section, looking for a relationship. 

CityBeat had its own personals section, titled “CINgles,” that was retired years ago — until now. Last month, we put a call out for personal ads and missed connections, and you guys delivered. In the slides that follow, we’ve published these personal ads with the hope that we can bring some Valentine’s Day fun and provide an alternative to dating apps.

Interested in one of the singles listed below? Email love@citybeat.com, include the ad number you’re responding to (example: MSW#3), and grant CityBeat permission to share your email.

Photo: Jasmin Wedding Photography, Pexels

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