Whether you like it or not, online dating is one of the main ways people begin relationships nowadays. We’ve all heard surprisingly romantic and utterly horrible stories from our friends and the internet, exposing us to the vast range of experiences we can encounter on dating apps and sites. Properly curating your profile can help you stand out, show who you really are, and find whatever you’re looking for.
Reflect On You
Before you start working on your dating profile le, it would be beneficial to check in with yourself. Figuring out what you’re looking for in a partner is the first step, even if you’re open to different types of relationships. You can then take the time to research sites and apps and choose which one will best connect you to your future match. You should also look at what types of matches are most common, and how much space the site gives you to showcase your personality.
Show Yourself in Photos
Dating profiles leave little room to describe yourself, so take advantage of the old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Add action shots of you doing activities you enjoy, like cooking or hiking. It would be even better if your activities involved being outside during the summer months. Surveys show people are considered more attractive in the summer than in the winter.
It’s best to exclude group shots whenever possible. The potential for confusing viewers of your profile is huge, and you shouldn’t be competing for attention on your own page. It can also confuse or mislead people if you display older photos of yourself, so avoid that obstacle by using more recent pictures.
Show Your interest in Other
While you don’t have a lot of room to describe yourself on a dating profile, try to include at least one prompt that shows what you are looking for in a partner. A good rule of thumb is to follow the 70/30 rule, where you use two-thirds of your profile to describe yourself and one-third to relate to your match.
However, be open-minded, even if someone doesn’t seem like your “type.” If you find yourself in doubt, try to swipe right. Our profiles only provide a glimpse into the people we are, so avoid being overly judgmental at this stage. There is always the option of ceasing contact after giving them a chance. That said, trust your instincts as well. It will not hurt you to take some chances, but if something feels wrong with a profile or conversation, be mindful of your gut reactions.
Avoid Cliches
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to your dating profile. That also means avoiding clichés and overused quotes from The Océ. They are too frequently used in dating profiles and prevent you from standing out from the crowd.
Prompts on your profile should include specific interests and hobbies that can provide a starting point for conversation. Don’t be afraid of revealing your fringe interests because you will be more likely to attract someone who enjoys similar things.
Vanessa Huasasquiche | Contributing Writer
