diff --git a/src/commands/helpers.ts b/src/commands/helpers.ts
index 8041122..334da75 100644
--- a/src/commands/helpers.ts
+++ b/src/commands/helpers.ts
@@ -97,10 +97,10 @@ async function squashCommit(branch: string, cwd: string): Promise<void> {
   if (diff.trim()) {
     const gen = await vm.claudePipe(
       diff,
-      "write a commit message for these changes following the 50/72 rule: subject line ≤50 chars, blank line, body wrapped at 72 chars. the body should briefly explain what changed and why. output only the message, no quotes or extra text.",
+      "write a single-line commit message for these changes, max 50 characters. no body, no blank line, just the subject. output only the message, no quotes or extra text.",
     )
     if (gen.exitCode === 0 && gen.stdout.trim()) {
-      await git.commit(gen.stdout.trim(), cwd)
+      await git.commit(gen.stdout.trim().split("\n")[0], cwd)
       return
     }
   }
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ export async function saveChanges(worktree: string, branch: string, message?: st
 
     const gen = await vm.claudePipe(
       diff,
-      "write a commit message for these changes following the 50/72 rule: subject line ≤50 chars, blank line, body wrapped at 72 chars. the body should briefly explain what changed and why. output only the message, no quotes or extra text.",
+      "write a single-line commit message for these changes, max 50 characters. no body, no blank line, just the subject. output only the message, no quotes or extra text.",
     )
 
     if (gen.exitCode !== 0) {