Ladies – I get it. Writing a good online dating profile is easier said than done. Talking about yourself can feel totally awkward, so it’s tempting to fall into the trap of “I’m just going to put something up. It doesn’t really matter anyways, right?” Wrong. Your online bio is like your dating resume. It’s a chance to show the world that you’re cool, awesome and oh-so-dateable.
However, more often than not, online dating bios kill the romance before it even starts.
Need some tips? Here’s 5 typical, terrible online dating bio cliches that you should avoid at all costs.
- “Miss Complaints”
I’m just looking for a good guy. I mean it. I’ve met too many guys from these sites that are jerks, players or just after sex. That’s not what I’m looking for!! Same goes for guys with no jobs. Have a job! I’m not looking to date any mamas boys or scrubs!
I’ve been hurt a lot by men but am still willing to give love a chance. I have had to deal with my ex (son’s father) who is a deadbeat, user, cheapskate and generally hurtful individual. I don’t have time for any more users and drama in my life. Instead, I’m looking for my soulmate who will treat me well and whom I can have something REAL with. NO DRAMA!!
If you’re not a total jerk and don’t like to use women, send me a message. But don’t just compliment me on my appearance (I hate that) or say something lame like “hi.”
Why this is terrible –
This online dating bio reads like the liner notes from a Mary J. Blige album from the 90’s. Yes, I get that you’ve been hurt before. Who hasn’t? However, complaining in your profile isn’t going to get you anywhere. Same goes for mentioning your “deadbeat ex.” Complaining about men is essentially alienating your target audience: other men. Like attracts like. So, instead of focusing on the negative, highlight the positive things you are looking for in a relationship. A “good guy” simply doesn’t cut it.
As one of my guy friends was careful to point out, “I understand that online dating is difficult for women (and for men too), but complaining about men on your dating profile is like complaining about your work on your resume. It will turn off the positive guys that visit your profile, leaving only the jerks behind to message you.”
- “Miss High on Life” (or maybe something else)
Hey there!!! So, I’m on here hoping to meet someone!! What about you? There’s tons of stuff that I’m into!!! I love dancing, hiking, yoga, cooking and playing with my dog!!! I love animals!!! I used to like to party a lot until one night I wrapped my car around a tree and almost killed myself and another person!!! Luckily I only had to serve minimal jail time. Now I like to keep things laid-back!!! All about the clean living!!! I’d like to meet my soulmate so that I can settle down and enjoy a life together!!!
Why this is terrible –
All!!! The!!! Exclamation!!! Points!!! As my friend pointed out, “There’s no way that you’re that excited to be filling out an online dating profile.” So, reel it in. Even if you are really excited about the prospect of finding love online, restrict your use of exclamation points to where they actually should be, instead of at!!! the!!! end!!! of!!! every!!! sentence!!!
- “Miss Ultra Generic”
I’m just a sweet girl who is looking to meet a good guy. I love to laugh and have fun. I’m a laid-back person who enjoys the simple pleasures in life. My family and friends are very important to me. One of my favorite things to do is to relax and hang out with my friends.
Why this is terrible –
Um, thanks for the information. That tells me absolutely nothing about you! One of the biggest traps people fall into when it comes to online dating bios is that they fail to show their personality. Not everyone is a natural writer; however, providing a few specific details about your interests really helps. Instead of telling the online dating community that you “like to have fun,” share your passion for international travel or taco trucks. Worst case scenario, you’ll come off as a more interesting, well-rounded person.
- “Miss No-Fly List”
Hey there. I’ve had some bad luck on this site before so I’m just going to be upfront about what I’m not looking for –
NO Commitment-a-phobes.
NO Liars
NO Cheaters
NO Users who just want to play with my emotions.
NO Mama boys or man-children.
NO Smokers.
NO Guys just looking for sex.
NO unemployed guys (I’m not going to support you!!)
NO guys over 40+
NO abs shots, thanks!
NO Stalkers, k, thx.
If you’re married, aren’t looking for a relationship or just want to message me because you like my photo….move along. NOT INTERESTED!
Why this is terrible –
Not only is this profile incredibly negative, it’s completely focused on what you don’t want, instead of what you do want. As my guy friend notes, “Focusing on what you don’t want doesn’t help you get what you do want. So think about what qualities you really DO want from a guy, mention them, and all of a sudden you’ll entice more of those men to message you.”
- “Miss I Don’t Belong Here”
“I have no problem with meeting guys in person. The only reason I’m on here is because my friends made me sign up.”
Why this is terrible –
I get it. You think you’re too hot for online dating. Newsflash: it’s 2014 and everyone and their dog is using online dating. Meeting people online is the norm. There are tons of good-looking, smart, normal people just like yourself hanging out on online dating sites. You might even meet some of them if you cut the BS and get off your high-horse.
