Tired of endless swiping and dead-end connections on dating apps, 42-year-old San Francisco Bay Area resident Lisa Catalano took a truly unprecedented step: she bought billboards across the city to advertise herself and her custom dating website, MarryLisa.com. This bold move, born from personal loss and a desire for genuine connection, has attracted nearly 2,000 applications and ignited a global conversation about modern romance and finding love on your own terms.
In an era dominated by digital dating, one woman has decided to go analog in the most public way imaginable. Lisa Catalano, a 42-year-old from the San Francisco Bay Area, found herself increasingly frustrated with the superficiality and lack of genuine connection offered by conventional dating apps. Following the heartbreaking passing of her fiancé in 2023 after a terminal illness, Lisa realized she needed a different approach to find a committed relationship and potentially start a family.
A Creative Outlet Becomes a Bold Mission
What began in June “as somewhat of a joke” soon transformed into a serious endeavor. Lisa started building her own dating website, MarryLisa.com, as a “creative outlet” each time she felt disillusioned with the dating scene. This hands-on approach reflects a growing sentiment among daters who feel fatigued by the digital churn of apps. Research, such as that highlighted by Psychology Today, indicates many dating app users are not actively seeking real-life connections, contributing to widespread dissatisfaction.
Her friends and family initially thought the idea was “a little crazy,” but as MarryLisa.com began to take shape, their skepticism gave way to enthusiastic encouragement. Realizing a website needs visibility, Lisa opted for a medium impossible to scroll past: billboards.
“I never expected I would do something like this in my life. I’m almost in shock that I did it, really,” she told PEOPLE. This candid admission highlights the extraordinary nature of her quest and the depth of her desire to find a lasting partnership.
Billboards and Beyond: A Bay Area Phenomenon
In early September, Lisa’s smiling face began appearing on digital billboards along Highway 101 between Santa Clara and South San Francisco, and even on taxi tops. The ads are intentionally simple: her photo, the bold web address MarryLisa.com in yellow font. “I wanted something simple and to the point,” she explained. “I didn’t want people fumbling to scan a QR code. Just my face, the message, and the link.”
These eight-second ads target morning and evening commuters, ensuring maximum exposure. While Lisa is keeping the total cost of her project under wraps until she finds “the right match,” the investment has clearly paid off in terms of reach and responses.
The Application Process: What Lisa is Looking For
On MarryLisa.com, interested men can fill out a detailed application form. This goes beyond typical dating app profiles, asking about education, occupation, location, and hobbies. Applicants can also upload photos, giving Lisa a comprehensive view of potential suitors.
Lisa is transparent about her “non-negotiables,” seeking a partner who is:
- Looking for a committed, monogamous relationship.
- Open to starting a family.
- Leads a healthy lifestyle.
- Ideally between 35 and 45 years old (though applications have ranged from 19 to 78).
- Shares her religion and politics (as detailed in Article 2 and 5).
Her openness extends to her personal profile on the site, where she shares details like height, weight, and even whether she kisses on a first date. This level of transparency, while unusual for public dating campaigns, speaks to her earnest desire for genuine connection.
A Journey Forged in Loss, Fueled by Hope
Lisa’s unique search for love is deeply rooted in personal experience. She was previously engaged, but her fiancé tragically passed away in 2023 after battling a terminal illness. This profound loss, coupled with the difficulty of re-entering the dating world after a long-term relationship, propelled her to seek alternatives beyond the frustrating app landscape.
Dating coach Marie Thouin, quoted in Article 5, commends Lisa’s “fearless” approach. Thouin highlights how Lisa is “breaking a lot of the shame that a lot of women have about wanting partnership,” boldly declaring her desire for a relationship in a society that often pressures women to downplay such intentions.
The Internet’s Verdict: Bold or Crazy?
Since the billboards went live, Lisa’s story has exploded online, sparking a divisive reaction. “It’s almost a 50/50 split,” she noted. “People either love the idea or hate it. They think I’m inspiring and brave, or they think I’m the worst person on earth.”
Despite the criticism, Lisa remains unfazed, drawing strength from the outpouring of support. “For as much hate as I’m getting right now, I’m also getting a lot of love and encouragement,” she shared. “I never thought I could actually be this strong.” She has even increased her personal security due to some negative responses, but maintains her focus on finding love, not fame.
With nearly 2,000 applications received, Lisa believes her perfect match is among them. “I think there’s a guy out there who’s a perfect fit for me, and I think I’m a perfect fit for him,” she said confidently. “We just haven’t connected yet, but his application might already be in my inbox.”
Lisa plans to document her journey on her “marry lisa official” page on TikTok, sharing updates on her dates while keeping the identities of her suitors private to maintain a sense of normalcy in an otherwise unconventional search.
The internet’s varied reactions highlight the public’s fascination with unconventional dating methods:
