I Erected a Two-Word Billboard Over Highway 101. The Aftermath Was Unbelievable.
“I’m looking for love.” The words echoed in my mind as I reflected on my journey through relationships, each one teaching me more about what I truly desire. My last relationship ended in May 2023, leaving me with a clearer vision of my needs: no brunch with a crowd, no judgment for my sock-throwing habits, and a partner who adores my cats. I crave a shared life, someone who sees me in my most mundane moments, like picking up socks.
Dating apps have been my starting point, but I’ve always fantasized about a serendipitous encounter in the produce aisle. Is that too much to ask? I’ve shifted my energy, signaling to the universe that I’m ready for connections. Sports leagues have brought me friends, but romance remains elusive. At 38, after two decades of navigating bars, I’ve met fewer potential partners than fingers on one hand.
In a bold move, I left my number at a coffee shop for a guy I fancied. It led nowhere, and my parents chimed in with their wisdom: “Not everything is about sex.” Yet, some things undeniably are. Inspired by the political messages I saw on overpasses throughout Los Angeles, I concocted a plan: a sign to announce my single status. “IM SINGLE” became my mantra.
With dating apps becoming increasingly frustrating—hidden matches behind paywalls and inactive accounts—I sought a more straightforward approach. No profiles, no algorithms; just me and my sign. But how would anyone reach out? My TikTok account, where I shared my single life, could be the answer. If I put myself out there, could it lead to dates?
On Saturday, October 25, I decided to make it happen. At Blue Rooster art supplies, I asked for the best color for my sign. “Piiiink,” the clerk suggested. Armed with poster board and paint, I created my message in record time. But who would film this moment? My neighbor stepped up to help.
Living just steps from Highway 101, I felt a rush of adrenaline as I approached the overpass. My heart raced at the thought of causing an accident, but excitement took over. I positioned my neighbor on an island where she could capture the action. With each poster clipped to the fence, honks erupted from below.
For thirty minutes, honking became my soundtrack as cars crawled by during rush hour. Drivers leaned out of windows, cheering and waving. It was exhilarating; I had struck a chord with everyone on that highway.
Initially unsure of how long to stay or what would happen next, I surrendered to the moment. Dancing beside my sign for nearly three hours felt liberating. By the time I returned home, my phone buzzed with notifications from social media—my sign had gone viral.
Photos and videos flooded platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Despite initial struggles with engagement due to algorithm quirks, a user’s short video featuring me exploded in popularity. Within 48 hours, my impressions soared into the millions.
Curiosity from various publications followed; some sensationalized my quest for love while others simply wanted to know more about my motivation. Thousands of messages poured in—mostly from women expressing their own single status or asking if they could borrow my sign.
While many messages were well-meaning, only a few men reached out—one even revealed he was allergic to cats. After several near-dates fell through due to “car stuff” and illness, I finally secured a meeting with someone intriguing.
Our date began with light banter over text before we met at a taco stand. The stakes felt low; we had no preconceived notions from dating apps. As we navigated the menu together, an unexpected connection blossomed amidst spilled food and laughter.
The date lasted nearly two hours, ending with a sweet kiss and plans to meet again. After years of searching in various places—apps, grocery stores, bars—I can now add Highway 101 to that list.
This experience reshaped my understanding of love and connection. Sometimes, taking bold risks can lead to unexpected outcomes. From my perch above the highway, I embraced every opportunity that came my way—whether it led to romance or simply a great story to share.
With just $30 and a daring idea, I reached countless people and even landed a date with someone special. Not too shabby for an afternoon spent on an overpass.
Eric Jonas is a fashion creative and brand director based in Los Angeles who specializes in concept-driven design and visual storytelling. An eternal optimist with a realistic edge, Eric seeks connections wherever he goes—when not inventing new ways to find love, he enjoys pickleball and matcha americanos while ensuring he’s out the door by 9 a.m.
