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.
Along with personal ads, there were also “missed connections,” where entries recall an encounter with an elusive love or passing person of interest with the hope that the subject will see it and they’ll be reconnected. Missed connections have found a new life on Craigslist, where people recall situations in varying degrees of style, romance, humor or plain craziness.
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 missed connections with the hope that we can bring some Valentine’s Day fun and provide an alternative to dating apps.
Think that one of these missed connections was with you? Email love@citybeat.com, include the ad number you’re responding to (example: MC#5), and grant CityBeat permission to share your email.
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