One of the most common questions I get is “But what the heck am I supposed to put on my dating profile” and today I’m bringing you some tips to make the best out of your time online.
First let’s talk pictures.
Let’s look at these series of pictures of me (my shiny face while speaking on WBZ!) and some other random Bumble profile pictures:
Now look for the commonality. All of us look genuinely happy, right? Big shiny smiles, good lighting, face forward and showing you our best self. Think about the people you’re attracted to and mirror that in your own images.
For the rest of your images: stay away from photos with sunglasses, group photos that don’t show who you are, pics of you and children, and always include one full body length pic. It’ll save everyone time in the long run.
Now let’s talk content.
If you’re on Bumble, Tinder, OkCupid, you get to write a brief summary on who you are and what you’re looking for. Now is the time to be creative and stand out from the pack. Are you clever? Put down your best haiku as an opener and then say what kind of person you are. Are you looking for fun only with no interest in a long term commitment? Definitely put that down here. Say who you are – not what you don’t want. No one gets more turned off than someone with a checklist of things they’re not looking for.
Now if you’re on Plenty Of Fish, Match, eHarmony, there’s a TON more info you can fill out about yourself. Different portions of the profile where you can include favorite movies, political views, take tons of fun quizzes and tests and see what your best personality is.
“About Me”
I want you to really think about who you are. Make a list of the things you love most about yourself, your life, and what makes you tick. Talk to your friends about this if you need to, just drill down into what makes you amazing. Think about what’s important to you and what’s important in a partner and express that in your bio.
“About You”
Like I said above, this is not a place to say “You shouldn’t be full of drama, have crazy ex’s, 19 children, and a drinking problem.” A person that writes this *is* the dramatic one and negativity is always so damn unattractive. Child minded? Write “Looking for someone to start a family with.” Is skiing your top priority in the winter? Write “Looking for a partner to hit the moguls with most weekends” – not “If you don’t ski – don’t swipe right”. See the difference in tone there?
Information Is Everything
If you are separated or still married, SAY SO. As we run a company of investigators that will end up finding this out for your new match, it’s best to lay your cards on the table. Shorter than you wish you were? Just say it. Larger than you wish you were? Just say it. Out on bail for allegedly robbing a bank? JUST SAY IT.
Dating is all about expectations and unless you’re coming to the date after telling them about some past baggage – your date is thinking you’ve told them everything. Now think about how awkward it’s going to be when they find out that you lied, and now you’re a liar. That’s way worse than coming clean about something you need to.
Final Advice: Be Your Best Self.
Out of the 7 billion humans on the planet, you’re the only *you* that there is. Make this a good happy life, surround yourself with experiences and desire to live your best life. This ain’t no dress rehearsal folks and life is better lived with others. Just make sure that the people you’re meeting on these dating sites are legit, because there’s nothing worse than wasting your time, energy, and tears on scammers, liars, or cheats. So while you put your best self out there – make sure you’re talking to someone who is as real as you are. Just start here:
Light and love always,
