Online dating can feel intimidating. The initial setup of your profile can sometimes make you feel pressured to make it perfect. But here’s a secret: there is no such thing as a perfect profile. No matter what you put out there on the Internet, you’ve just got to stay true to yourself. That authenticity will shine through when the right person reads it.
However, I get asked a lot what a “good” profile looks like, so I wanted to supply some tips today that may help you when you’re getting started.
People Really Meet Their Soulmates Online
I’m proud to say I met my husband (my soulmate) on an Internet dating site. It’s been eight years and we’re going strong. I know for a fact that we would have never met otherwise. But this article isn’t about me; it’s about you! I’m going to help you meet the love of your life on the Internet, because they are out there! Check out my tips for creating the best Internet dating site profile.
Depending on the dating site, there are several featured elements to work on, but I’m going to touch on the big ones all the sites share: your pictures, your stats, and your biography.
Your Picture
You should use recent photos of yourself. Before you roll your eyes at me, just know that plenty of people don’t use recent pictures. I once went out with a guy whose profile picture was 15 years old. In it, he posed with a dog. By the time we started talking online that dog had been dead for 10 years!
Don’t use pictures from high school or even ones that are six months old. In fact, take new pictures of yourself for your dating profile. Take head-to-toe pictures of yourself, take headshots, and include pictures of yourself doing some of your favorite activities.
If you’re athletic, include an action shot. If you like animals, include a picture of you with your pet. Don’t use Photoshop to make your pictures more flattering. Don’t add more hair on the top of your head or slim your body down. If you want to meet someone and have a relationship, you need to present who you really are, and that includes what you really look like.
Your Stats
Your stats may include your age, body type, religion, political views, income, and what kind of relationship you’re looking for. Like your picture, you need to be completely honest here too because you’re going to meet someone great and if you want the relationship to last, you can’t lie to them. Don’t answer these questions based on who you’d like to be some day; answer them based on who you are right now. If you’re lying, you’re going to be found out eventually.
In my Internet dating experience, I find most people lie about what they look like, if they’ve been married before, whether they have kids or not and what type of relationship they’re really looking for. Unfortunately, there are a lot of sweet talkers out there who are just looking for a hookup. Don’t get involved in that if that’s not what you truly want.
This section is really important because your potential mates are trying to see if you’d be a good fit for them. Don’t lie in order to get more people interested in you. You’ll end up getting your heart broken!
Your Bio
This is your opportunity to talk about who you are in more detail. Think about your most appealing qualities and give details about them in this section. Talk about your hobbies and why you like them. Tell a potential mate what’s lovable about you.
Don’t be negative. I don’t care how many times you’ve had your heart broken; don’t use your bio to rant and rave about how poorly your last ex treated you. This is your opportunity to move on to someone better! Don’t waste this space being bitter and angry.
Talk about what kind of person you’re looking for. You can talk about looks if you have a particular type but spend more of this space talking about what kind of person your soulmate should be. Do you want to be with someone adventurous? Do you want to be with someone who’s excited to start a family? Think about your ideal mate and describe them here.
Your Dating Mantra
You should keep this mantra in mind as you navigate the waters of Internet dating: “There is someone amazing out there for me.” And there is. I don’t care if you’re 40 pounds heavier than you’d like to be or haven’t completed your college or high school degree—there are people out there who will not only accept you, but they will also love you for who you are, at this exact moment in time. You don’t have to be perfect to deserve or find love. You just have to be ready, positive, open-minded, and honest!
What a refreshing perspective on online dating! It’s so important to stay authentic and true to oneself. I’ve always felt pressured to present a ‘perfect’ version of me, but this article reassured me that honesty is the best policy. Thank you for the enlightening advice!
This is an excellent guide for anyone diving into the world of online dating. The author’s clear and thoughtful approach to creating a dating profile is both encouraging and pragmatic. I love the real-life anecdotes, especially about the outdated photo, which drive home the importance of authenticity. The comprehensive breakdown of pictures, stats, and bios is invaluable, and the reinforcement of maintaining honesty throughout the process is crucial advice. The dating mantra provided is a beautiful reminder that we all deserve love, just as we are. Truly an uplifting and informative read!
What a wonderfully insightful article! The advice given here is not only practical but also heartening. The emphasis on authenticity resonates deeply with me. It’s reassuring to know that genuine connections are made when we present our true selves. The detailed tips on pictures, stats, and bios are practical and easy to follow. I particularly appreciate the reminder that there’s someone amazing out there for everyone—it’s a comforting thought that encourages us to stay positive and truthful in our quest for love.
I appreciate the focus on talking about one’s appealing qualities in the bio section. It’s a chance to highlight what makes you unique without dwelling on past negativities.
I agree. Highlighting your strengths and what you’re looking for can attract like-minded individuals who are on the same wavelength.
Absolutely! A positive bio can set the tone for meaningful connections and steer clear of the negativity that could otherwise mar the experience.
The emphasis on authenticity in this article resonates with me. In a world where perfection is often overvalued, it’s refreshing to see advice that encourages people to be true to themselves.
I found this article to be quite illuminative on the nuances of online dating. The emphasis on honesty in your profile resonates with the core principle of authenticity in human connection. One cannot forge true relationships based on deception.
This is all well and good, but let’s be real—online dating is a mess. People lie all the time, and it’s hard to trust anyone. No matter how honest you are, it doesn’t change the fact that many are out there to deceive. It’s just a waste of time.
The section on being truthful in your stats is crucial. Lying might get more initial attention, but it will ultimately lead to disappointment on both sides.
The dating mantra at the end is a great reminder that everyone deserves love. It’s important to stay positive and open-minded throughout the process.
This is such an uplifting piece! I appreciate how the author demystifies the online dating scene and encourages genuine self-representation. It’s a great reminder that there’s someone out there for everyone, flaws and all.
While this article provides practical advice for setting up an online dating profile, it appears somewhat naive to suggest that everyone will encounter their soulmate on the internet. The complexities of human relationships require more than just a well-crafted bio and recent photos.
Lois, I must disagree. The internet has indeed become a platform where many have found meaningful connections. It’s about filtering through the noise to find genuine individuals.
Ah, the perpetual quest for love in the age of algorithms. Perhaps I should update my profile to include pictures from the Renaissance and claim to be an alchemist. Honesty, as it turns out, is more elusive than the philosopher’s stone.
Rumplestiltskin, your sarcasm is noted. However, the article’s point is clear: authenticity might just be the magic ingredient people are missing in their quest for genuine connections.
I found the tips on updating photos particularly useful. It’s easy to overlook how much we change over time and the importance of presenting an up-to-date version of ourselves.
Using recent pictures and being honest in your bio? Revolutionary! Next, you’ll tell us to brush our teeth and wear clean clothes. Seriously though, it’s good advice, but isn’t it kind of obvious?
Honey Locks, your sarcasm is noted, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t follow these ‘obvious’ tips. Common sense isn’t always common practice.
Indeed, Honey Locks. Sometimes the simplest advice is the most overlooked. People often need reminders of the basics, especially in the chaotic world of online dating.
The author makes a compelling case for authenticity. I work in psychology, and it’s fascinating to see how honesty and self-disclosure can improve relationship success even in the digital realm. Truly insightful tips that can make a difference in someone’s online dating journey.
Oh please, another fairy tale about online dating. Do you really think people are out there looking for ‘soulmates’? Newsflash: most just want a quick hookup. The whole ‘be honest and true to yourself’ spiel is laughable in the digital dating world.
Oh, sure. Just be yourself and love will magically find you? If only it were that simple. This sounds like a fairy tale. In reality, the online dating pool is full of sharks, and good luck finding someone who is genuinely looking for a meaningful relationship. It’s not as rosy as it seems.