If there is one thing that both new and experienced online daters alike will agree on it's that creating the perfect online dating profile is a daunting task. You want to express yourself and be authentic, yet not reveal too much and risk scaring potential dates away. It's a fine line to walk, and many online daters choose instead to play it safe, which unfortunately results in many of the same online dating clichés popping up in profiles everywhere. If you want the best results from your online dating experience, you've got to forget the clichés and not be afraid to stand out in a digital crowd! To get you started, here are some things to avoid saying in your online dating profile.
1. "I love to laugh." "I love to have fun." "I live life to the fullest." "I love to smile." etc, etc.. When you find yourself about to type any of the above, stop and ask yourself one quick question - who doesn't love laughter, having fun or smiling? While there are some grumps who may despise laughing or having a good time, they are definitely the exception, not the rule. These types of generic statements don't give potential matches any insight into what makes you unique. Instead, take it one step further. What specifically makes you laugh? When do you have the most fun? Being specific will increase the chances that you'll connect with someone who shares your sense of humor or interest.
2. "I don't want a gold-digger, a player, a liar or a drama queen." Well, who does? Most of us have dated people who ultimately weren't what we were looking for, but your online dating profile isn't the place to air your grievances towards those who have done you wrong in the past. Putting yourself out there is scary because it's impossible to protect yourself from heartbreak, but writing out a laundry list of questionable dating behaviors doesn't guarantee you won't meet these types of people. It simply shows anyone reading your profile that you are stuck in the past - and bitter about it to boot. It's highly unlikely that the potential gold-diggers, liars and drama-queens reading your profile will think, "Oh he's not interested in me! Better steer clear!" Don't waste any precious space on your profile explaining what you don't want, and instead focus on what you do want.
3. "I'm an adventurist!" Spend a few hours on an online dating site and you'll quickly notice that just about everyone is a risk taking, extreme sport playing, rock climbing, trail running adrenaline junkie adventurist... or so they say. Many online daters feel that they need to portray themselves as the most active and outgoing person on the planet, and while you might feel that your hobbies and interests aren't dynamic enough, you don't need extreme hobbies to stand out in a crowd. If your idea of an outdoorsy excursion is a walk to the coffee shop down the street, there is no reason you need to proclaim your enthusiasm for base jumping. The ultimate goal is to meet someone to develop an offline relationship with, so if you include the activities and hobbies that you are truly passionate about you'll no doubt meet someone who shares them as well. With that said, if nothing fills your heart with joy as much as jumping off a cliff does, definitely don't neglect to include it in your online dating profile...and be careful.
If you want different results when it comes to online dating, you've got to online date differently. Kick the clichés to the curb, and don't be afraid to keep it real. Your online dating profile is just that--yours!
Liz Marie is the social media manager at We Love Dates. She does not enjoy long walks on the beach.