Our lives are fluid. And since our dating profiles reflect our personalities and lives, they need to be updated frequently in order to give over as clear and as accurate a picture of ourselves as possible to potential matches.
Are the profiles on the dating apps you’re using a bit outdated? If your profile features a pic that’s older than some shoes you own, or details that haven’t been true since you opened your account, then it’s time for a facelift. Here are a few dating profile hacks that’ll spruce up your resume and upgrade your chances at scoring a date this year.
1. Update Your Profile!
And here’s your first one. If you don’t already, update your profile once every month or so. It’ll do wonders for your dating life. Updating your dating profile is good for scoring matches, too. Not to get too geeky on you, but dating algorithm gods like fresh content. So when you update your profile or add new pics, they’ll start sending your profile out to fresh matches. More face time = more dates!
2. Get Friends Involved
Stuck on page one? Try asking your friends to help give you some ideas. A lot of times, our friends can describe our personalities better than we can. You can also check out other profiles to get inspired.
3. Never Include Political Views...Except Sometimes
Now there’s a sticky subject. Politics have driven friends and even brothers apart. This is why it’s best not to include political views on your dating profiles. But compatibility is contingent on shared goals and values, and your political stance generally reflects those essential morals you hold so dearly.
If so, why would you hide such a major part of your personality from potential matches? Well, maybe it’s because half of all American singles won’t date someone who’s checked the opposing political stance box on their dating profile? That’s a lot of matches to exclude with a single option.
Many singles prefer to leave politics out of their dating profiles. And you? Well, that depends on how strongly you feel about your political views. If they’re do-or-die to you, then eliminating singles who are vehemently opposed to your stance is probably a good idea, and you should include. But, if you’re like many singles who only have a surface level passion for politics, best to leave this section blank. You can always discuss politics after you’ve found out if you and your potential date are compatible. In general, it’s best to be open to all options. Opposites attract. So unless you’re the type to put your life down for your political views, leave these off the table, at least initially.
4. Broach the Social Distancing Topic
Here’s a topic you probably never thought you’d have to consider: What level of social distancing are you comfortable with? Yeah, with COVID-19 raging and mutations happening constantly, a lot of people are mighty nervous about this pernicious virus. Meanwhile, others think it’s all a joke, some government conspiracy, or all a plot orchestrated by…(Zoom!). Because of the massive discrepancy in positions, it’s a good idea to put it out there from the beginning where you stand.
FYI, how do you deal with virtual dating in general? Here are a few quick tips to kindle and keep the virtual dating flame going:
- Set up Netflix or Zoom movie nights
- Play multiplayer virtual games
- Go the extra mile. Just cuz you’re not going out doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put in the effort to look nice for your date. The other person will notice, and it will do a lot for building the relationship when you pay attention to details
- Create a shared Spotify playlist
- Go for a walk together
- Send each other gifts, food, and other tokens
- Go back in time and send out a hand-written note (marry me now?!)
5. Discuss Employment Status Delicately
Nobody wants to be labeled, and unemployed is one of the saddest tags a single can be given. Rather than labeling yourself with this cumbersome title, choose more creative tags such as exploring. Use the space to highlight talents and value that you have, rather than honing in on the fact that you aren’t currently holding a position.
And when the conversation turns to employment, you should try to steer the conversation towards safer subjects like:
- What is your dream job?
- What jobs have you done in the past?
- What are you passionate about?
Don’t lie; just focus on the more important and more positive aspects of you and your life.
6. Avoid Cliches
Whether or not they’re true, cliches make most people roll their eyes and say, “Next!”. So even if you really do love taking long walks along the beach (hell, who doesn’t?), try being somewhat more creative with your interests, preferences, and personal info. Since online singles generally sift through thousands of profiles during their dating career, creativity usually wins big points.
7. Choose Profile Photos That Pop
Your profile pic is the first impression. So make it a good one! Studies have shown that profile pics that display you doing an activity (weight-lifting, painting, cheese slicing, whatever) are clicked on more often than more generic shots. Smiling mugs also get more attention.
In terms of photos, pick one that is recent and has YOU as the focal point (ah-doy). And for the love of God, if you don’t have one already, camera shy or not, put up a damn picture.
8. Be Positive, Be Fun
Have you ever been on a date with a guy who is all doom and gloom? Nothing seems to go right in his life. His boss is always yelling at him. His allergies are constantly starting up. And, he’s not paranoid, but... strangers seem to cross the street when he walks by (no surprise there). Whether it’s about the food they’re eating, the people they’re hanging out with, or the clothes you’re wearing, negative folks seem to put a downer on anything and everything they come in contact with.
Face it. It’s no fun talking to someone who is always negative. So don’t be THAT guy or girl. Instead, try to maintain a positive tone with your dating profile. That means skip the pessimism, snarky comments, and criticism. Do include funny stories, witty one-liners, and friendly answers. In other words, be the type of person that you would enjoy spending an evening sitting across the table from.
9. Be Honest, Be Real
At the same time, you don’t want to pretend to be someone you’re not. If you hate Cannibal Corpse, don’t be afraid to say it (though maybe not directly on your profile status). If you secretly find small kittens irritating, don’t get all googly eyed over the pet posts. And if you are not to be spoken to in the mornings before you’ve had your first three cups of coffee, it’s ok to state that too. In fact, honesty is the best policy in dating, as it is in real life.
So go ahead and tell the truth. Don’t be afraid to be who you really are, and go into detail about that person. After all, the person you are meant to be with is going to love you for YOU, idiosyncrasies, drawbacks, and all. Just make sure you’re not painting a glum picture of yourself when you do.
10. Be Specific
Finally, talk about what you want and what you don’t want. After all, the goal isn’t to snag every fish out there. Talk about yourself, what you like, and also include a little about what you don’t like. That’ll narrow down the options to the most relevant candidates.
Give Your Dating Profile a Fresh Face
Bottom line, focus on deal breakers, major life events, and any changes like appearance or interests that have happened lately. So what are you waiting for? Give your dating profile a fresh face, and get your game on for #singlescene 2022!
