As someone who exited a 10-year relationship last fall and has vaguely contemplated returning to the dating scene, I was interested to learn about the history of personal ads and how they lead to today’s apps. And as a Massachusetts local, I found it kind of cool that the first personal ad appeared in the Boston Evening Post back in 1759.

If you’re looking for a quick little background on the evolution of personal ads from men seeking women, to women seeking men, the reasons people placed these ads, and how they grew into the variety of dating apps people use today, then you’ll probably be interested in this book.

I did find it a little dry at times, but it was neat to read the old ads and get some backstories about some of the people who placed them. Most of them were well-meaning, but there are definitely a few who used the ads to take advantage of others and cause harm.

I also learned that T.G.I. Friday’s was founded by a guy who bought his local tavern and made it more female-friendly because he was tired of hanging out with a bunch of dudes. Who knew?

While I wasn’t totally engrossed, given how short the book is, it’s probably worth a read if you’re interested in the topic. ( )

This book sheds an unique perspective on where the start of personal ads were born. The first one posted from which evidence still exists appeared in the Boston Evening Post on February 23, 1759. It spoke of a male looking for a female. He provides details about what he is looking for in a female companion.

Each chapter features a different person and their situation. This book does not feature just men but women, who were/are looking for companionship. Back than, to help grow the new lands with population, it was encouraged that single women come over by ship so that they could keep the men from leaving. It worked and the population grew. Thus the reason that marriage was considered so important.

It was interesting to see how the personal ads and relationships changed over the various time periods featured in this book. From the past to the present. There is a big change in the way we interact with someone else but what we are looking for in a companion does not change. We all want happiness. ( )