So here’s something I never thought I’d admit online. I actually tried writing singles ads. Not the swipe-right, fast-moving kind you see on apps, but the kind where you sit down, put thought into words, and hope they connect with someone real. At first, I rolled my eyes at the idea. Who even reads long ads anymore, right? But it turned out to be one of those things where I had to eat my own words.

The pain point I hit
For me, dating apps felt like a never-ending cycle of short bios and random likes that never turned into conversations. It’s like scrolling through a store window with flashy signs but not actually walking in. I wanted something more personal, something that let people actually get a glimpse of who I was without relying on emojis or three-word descriptions. But writing about myself? That part was harder than I expected. Every sentence I typed sounded either too stiff or like I was trying too hard.

I mean, how do you describe yourself without sounding like you’re filling out a job application? “I’m funny, kind, and love long walks.” Great, but doesn’t everyone say that? I deleted more drafts than I can count.

A personal test and what I learned
One night I just gave up on trying to sound “cool” and wrote the way I’d actually talk if I met someone in person. I mentioned how I’m the kind of person who burns toast but can make a mean cup of coffee, how I watch the same old comedy shows whenever I’m stressed, and how I don’t mind looking silly if it makes someone laugh. Surprisingly, that version of me got replies.

It was like people wanted to see the quirks, not the polished cover letter. I realized that what caught attention wasn’t me trying to sound perfect but me sounding like… well, me. That’s when I started to understand there’s a bit of an art to these singles ads. Not “art” in a fancy way, more like knowing how to write something that feels human instead of robotic.

And honestly, it changed the way I look at online connections. When I wrote like I was chatting with a friend instead of pitching myself, people responded in the same tone. Conversations felt lighter, more natural, and I didn’t have that weird awkward silence after the first “hi.”

A small hint if you’re stuck
If you’ve ever thought about writing singles ads or even just updating your dating bio, my biggest tip is this: stop trying to impress everyone. Write like you’re telling a funny or honest story to a friend. Share a small detail that only you would write. Sometimes it’s that one simple thing that makes someone pause and think, “Hey, this person feels real.”

I’m not saying there’s a one-size-fits-all formula because there isn’t. Some people love witty one-liners, others connect more with little stories. But the common thread seems to be honesty mixed with a sprinkle of personality. If you want more structured ideas or examples, I found this piece pretty helpful: The Art of Writing Attention-Grabbing Singles Ads.

Closing thoughts
Looking back, I think singles ads taught me more about how I present myself than I expected. Not just for dating, but in general. We spend so much time curating how we look or what we say online, but sometimes stripping it down and writing like a normal person is what actually works.

So if you’re stuck in the endless swipe cycle or tired of short bios that don’t go anywhere, maybe give singles ads another look. At worst, you’ll laugh at the drafts you write. At best, you might actually connect with someone who gets your humor about burnt toast.