Dating

How to write a dating profile

When you create an online dating profile, remember that you're not just selling yourself; you're looking for a genuine connection. Pretending to be someone you're not may lead to initial interest, but it won't sustain a meaningful relationship. Authenticity lays the foundation for a true connection.

 - 13 Min Read
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How to write a dating profile
  • Your dating profile serves as your digital calling card in the world of modern dating.
  • Elevate your profile by showcasing your best qualities to captivate potential matches.
  • Stand out by steering clear of clichés and embracing creativity in crafting your profile.
  • Learn the art of profile creation to navigate the world of words and discover your ideal match.

How to write a dating profile: FAQs

  • What should I write about myself on a dating site?

    Share your interests, hobbies, and values when writing about yourself on online dating sites. Highlight what makes you unique, whether it's your love for hiking, passion for cooking, or dedication to family. Mention your goals and what you're looking for in a relationship. Be genuine and use anecdotes to add depth.

  • What's the ideal length for a dating profile bio?

    Keep your bio concise but informative. Aim for a few well-crafted sentences that capture your personality and what you seek in a relationship. As your life changes, update your profile accordingly. If you've achieved a new milestone or discovered a new hobby, include it in your profile to keep it fresh and relevant.

  • What's the most important thing to include in my dating profile?

    The most important aspect of your online dating profile is authenticity. Being genuine fosters trust, attracts like-minded matches, encourages open communication, and reflects your true interests and values. It's the foundation for building meaningful connections based on reality, leading to more fulfilling and rewarding relationships.

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Your dating profile is your chance to express your personality and connect with like-minded individuals. An irresistible online dating profile goes beyond the superficial and will resonate with potentially compatible individuals.

Whether you're looking for love, companionship, or even something casual, our selection of dating sites has something for everyone. Find what you're looking for with Age Times!

Why is a well-written dating profile important?

Your online dating profile is your virtual first impression, often determining whether a potential match will take the next step in getting to know you. A compelling profile will capture someone's attention and create a sense of intrigue, making them want to learn more about you. Think of it as a tool that you can use to attract individuals who share your relationship goals and weed out those who may not be compatible with you and your lifestyle.

Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship. By presenting yourself authentically in your dating profile, you can start building trust from the very start. This trust will be essential as your relationship progresses. 

How to write your dating profile

Here are some tried and tested dating profile tips to help attract potential partners.

  1. Be yourself: Authenticity is key. Represent your true self, as it forms the foundation for genuine connections.
  2. Highlight your passions: Share your hobbies and interests that have matured with you over the years. You could even use them to create a strong headline for your dating profile bio.
  3. Emphasise your values: Let potential matches know about your core values and beliefs, which can be fundamental in finding a compatible partner.
  4. Be honest: Be truthful about your age, appearance, and what you seek in a relationship. Honesty builds trust and attracts matches who appreciate you for who you are. Don’t try to be someone you are not! 
  5. Share your quirks: Those unique and endearing qualities that make you who you are can be a delightful way to add personality to your profile and make it easier for potential matches to connect with the real you.
  6. Avoid cliches: Stand out by expressing yourself originally and memorably, ensuring that potential matches get a genuine and fresh perspective of your personality.
  7. Be positive: Maintaining a positive attitude in your online dating journey makes the experience more enjoyable and attracts like-minded individuals drawn to your optimism, which can lead to more meaningful and harmonious connections.
  8. Polish your profile: Pay attention to grammar and spelling to make your profile appear polished and professional, as this demonstrates your attention to detail.

Bonus tip: Include clear, recent photos showcasing your personality and interests. Whether it's a snapshot of you hiking through a forest or laughing with friends at a cosy dinner, these images can paint a vivid picture of what makes you so special. Ask yourself - what story do you want to tell with your photos? Used properly, your images can make you stand out from the crowd.

Read on as we delve deeper into these tips.

1. Be yourself

To create an appealing dating profile, simply be yourself. Respect yourself and potential partners by presenting an honest and realistic bio. Your uniqueness sets you apart and is what will attract a potential partner.

Being authentic and true to yourself often leads to meeting people who share your values and interests, making it easier to establish a genuine connection. Of course, this assumes that the people you encounter in the dating world are also sincere and genuinely seeking meaningful relationships, just like you.

2. Highlight your passions

Highlighting your passions in your dating profile is a fantastic way to reveal what makes your heart sing and showcase what makes you an interesting individual. Consider adding a photo of yourself engaging in activities that truly reflect your passions, such as skydiving (if that excites you!). Or maybe you enjoy hiking, painting, and cooking. Whatever your passions are, don't be shy about showcasing what makes you feel truly alive.

Honesty is key here, so it's also a good idea to be transparent about your work or business commitments. If you're putting in long hours, don't hesitate to mention it in your dating profile; it helps others understand your lifestyle better. 

When it comes to your interests and lifestyle, honesty is your best policy. Don’t exaggerate your interests or hide important aspects of your lifestyle. There are people out there who will appreciate you for who you truly are. 

3. Emphasise your values

Positively emphasising your values is essential for finding compatibility in relationships. For instance, you might say, "I value open communication and honesty, as building trust is crucial to me," or "I'm passionate about adventure and outdoor activities, and I'm seeking someone who shares my enthusiasm for exploration and trying new things." This communicates your values and sets the stage for connecting with like-minded individuals.

Whether it's family, honesty, kindness, or any other core value, expressing what's important to you can help you find the perfect match, someone who shares your beliefs and seeks a partner with similar principles. Pause and reflect on how your values have changed over the years, and remember to separate your values from your preferences for a smoother journey to that genuine connection.

4. Be honest

In your dating profile, honesty is key. When you're honest, you build trust and openness, which is vital for authentic connections. It ensures potential matches see the real you and makes for more meaningful relationships. Hiding important information may lead to misunderstandings and, ultimately, relationship issues.

Honesty attracts people who appreciate you for who you are and sets the stage for straightforward communication from the beginning. So, remember that honesty is always the best approach, whether it's in your photos, bio, or relationship goals.

5. Share your quirks

Sharing your quirks in your online dating profile is a fantastic way to let your personality shine through. For example, do you have some hidden dance moves up your sleeve or an awesome singing voice that soars when you’re in the shower? Or maybe you seek tranquillity, finding solace in the peaceful moments spent surrounded by nature's wonders? These quirks are the little things that make you who you are, and when you share them, it makes your profile more relatable and approachable.

This can help break the ice and give potential matches a conversation starter, making it easier for them to make contact and get to know you better.

6. Avoid clichés 

You like quiet nights in, the odd night out, and long walks along the beach, and you don't mind what you're doing so long as it's with the right person. But so does everyone.

Instead of relying on the stuff 90% of people write in their profiles, be original to catch a potential date's attention. For example, “As much as I enjoy cosy nights in, I'm also the kind of person who might challenge you to a dance-off at 2 am in the kitchen just because a great song came on the radio. Are you up for some spontaneous midnight moves?”

By being original, you'll capture the attention of potential matches and show that you've put thought and effort into your profile. This can be a powerful way to make a memorable first impression and attract individuals who appreciate your authenticity.

7. Be positive

Positivity is like a magnet, attracting those who share your optimism and enthusiasm for life. 

There is nothing quite as off-putting as finding a profile that describes everything someone is not looking for. Writing about past dating failures, complaining, or using a negative tone can be off-putting. Focus on positivity and what you're looking forward to in a potential relationship.

Think about it this way: you’re here to find someone you like. So put down what you’re looking for, such as an honest and happy person who loves a glass or two socially, but no more. And to add a touch of humour—end it by saying your days of spending so much time at the pub that you can’t find your way home are over! 

When you maintain a positive and playful outlook, it not only makes your interactions more enjoyable but also paves the way for authentic connections with others who appreciate your cheerful nature.

8. Polish your profile

A polished profile reflects your dedication to presenting yourself in the best possible way. It communicates professionalism and attention to detail, two qualities attractive to potential matches. This involves proofreading your bio and responses for spelling mistakes and grammar errors, as well as checking that your photos are clear and high-quality.

First impressions often form within a few seconds, so a polished profile can be the difference between someone swiping past or stopping to learn more about you.

Should I include pictures in my dating profile? 

Yes! Choosing photos is about presenting a genuine and relatable version of yourself in your online dating profile. These photos should reflect your current lifestyle, appearance, and interests, helping potential matches get an accurate sense of who you are at this stage in your life. Make sure you include plenty of photos of your full face and not just 10 of you wearing sunglasses on holiday.

Use the most recent photos of yourself that you have - assuming they're suitable for a dating website! - so potential matches are seeing your genuine self. And remember - no filter!

How much time do I need to spend writing my dating profile?

This will often depend on what you’re looking for and the dating platform you’re using. For example, some popular dating apps may only give you a few lines. In contrast, if you’re creating a profile for a matchmaking service, you might have the opportunity to write something longer and more detailed.

Remember, you can always tweak your dating profile as you go, so don’t delay getting yourself out there because you’re worried your writing isn’t perfect!

How should I format my online profile?

Start with an eye-catching headline. Along with your profile picture, your headline is the most important part of your dating profile and one of the first things your potential date sees.

Avoid headlines such as ‘No drama queens or players’ or ‘Looking for someone to take care of me’. Instead, use your headline to showcase your personality and create intrigue, for example, ‘Embracing life’s next chapter - Want to join me?’ or ‘Over 50, Still curious and eager for new adventures’

Use short paragraphs and bullet points to break up text, making it more scannable. If you have control over such things, incorporate headings to organise different sections of your profile, such as your bio, interests, and what you're looking for in a match.

Formatting your online profile is crucial to make it visually appealing and give a good impression.

Dating profile examples

Below are some online dating profile examples, ranging from brief bullet points to more detailed descriptions, to help you get an idea of what most people typically write and look for in a profile.

Example 1: Adventurous

I’m a happy-go-lucky kind of guy looking for a casual relationship. I love to: 

  • Constantly learn.
  • Express my creativity through visual art and painting. 
  • Create model buildings of planes and ships.
  • Ride my bike every Sunday morning.
  • Explore nature and the great outdoors.

Example 2: Companionable

I am looking for a life partner who: 

  • Can go on hikes with me on some weekends.
  • Loves weekend getaways.
  • Appreciates a good meal and a glass of wine.
  • Is looking for true love.
  • Appreciates the need for great communication in relationships.
  • Can handle an intellectual conversation.

Example 3: Neighbourly

Hi!

I am a friendly graphic designer who finds joy in the simple things. I'm all about Sunday strolls, picnics, and cosy nights with a good book. I love exploring local cafes and believe in the beauty of spontaneous adventures. I'm looking for someone who values kindness and is ready to create our own story in our neighbourhood. Fun fact: I make a mean apple tart! If you appreciate the little joys in life and enjoy laughter-filled days, let's connect and create the next chapter in our lives. 

Example 4: Soulful

Enthusiastic about life and seeking a genuine connection for a meaningful journey. I appreciate deep connections and view love as a significant adventure. Kindness, empathy, and a good sense of humour hold great importance to me. Whether it's exploring new recipes, wandering through museums, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, life gains depth when shared with that special someone.

If you're ready for a genuine connection fueled by mutual respect and a shared vision of love that transcends the ordinary, let's begin this extraordinary journey together.

Example 5: Open-hearted

Hey there! I'm a friendly and easygoing individual looking to make meaningful connections. I value friendship and believe it's the foundation of any great relationship. I'm seeking someone who shares my zest for life and a passion for exploring new experiences.

My interests:

  • I'm a nature enthusiast, and you can often find me hiking, camping, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
  • I have a creative side and love to dabble in painting and playing musical instruments.
  • I'm a foodie at heart and enjoy discovering new restaurants and pubs.

I'm not in a rush to find "the one," but I'm excited to meet new people and see where the journey takes us. I believe that a strong friendship can be the stepping stone to a lasting and loving relationship. On our first date, I'd love to have a fun and relaxed conversation, maybe over a cup of coffee or a casual dinner. I'm seeking the right person who appreciates the value of a true friend and is ready to embark on this exciting adventure of life together. If you think you might be that person, let's connect and see where our journey leads!

How long should my online dating profile be?

The shorter, the better, but long enough to be interesting and engaging. Give away some hints as to who you are. 

A great way to find out what works in online profiles is to look at various dating apps/dating sites. Go online and start reading some dating profiles. You will quickly come across both great and boring ones. You’ll also discover profiles that stand out and what makes them extraordinary—usually fabulous photos and some personality in the writing. 

Crafting your perfect profile 

Your online dating profile is not just a set of photos and words; it's your chance to showcase your personality's unique and wonderful aspects.

By keeping it real and staying positive, you'll know how to write a dating profile that reflects the true you. It's not just about attracting potential matches; it's about setting the stage for exciting interactions and, perhaps, a fulfilling relationship.

With these dating profile tips, you're ready to venture into the world of writing your perfect dating profile with confidence and optimism. Your journey to connections and even love begins now. Happy dating!

Image Credit: amrothman at pixabay

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