How to Write a Dating Profile That Sounds Like You

Most dating profiles sound the same. “I love to laugh.” “Work hard, play hard.” “Looking for my partner in crime.”

Here’s how to write one that actually sounds like you.

Photos first

Your photos matter most. Choose:

• A clear face photo. Smiling, good lighting, no sunglasses.
• A full-body photo.
• A photo doing something you love.
• A photo with friends, where it’s clear which one is you.
• Recent photos. Within the last year or two.

Avoid: group photos where you’re hard to find, bathroom mirror selfies, photos with exes cropped out.

The bio

Be specific. Instead of “I love food,” try “I’ll drive 30 minutes for the right birria tacos.”

Show, don’t tell. Instead of “I’m funny,” say something funny.

Mention what you’re into. Hobbies, interests, passions. Specifics help people start conversations.

Say what you’re looking for. Honestly. A relationship? Something casual? Not sure yet?

Keep it positive. Don’t list what you don’t want. “No drama” sounds like you’ve had a lot of drama.

Keep it short. A few sentences to a short paragraph.

Conversation starters

Give people something to respond to.

• “Ask me about the time I got lost in Mexico City.”
• “Currently learning to make my grandmother’s gumbo. It’s not going well.”
• “Looking for someone to argue with about the best Frank Ocean album.”

Clichés to avoid

• “I love to laugh.”
• “Partner in crime.”
• “Just ask.”
• “Work hard, play hard.”
• “Looking for my other half.”
• “Fluent in sarcasm.”

Ask for help

Have a friend read your profile. Better yet, have a woman friend read it. She’ll tell you what works.

Be honest

Real height. Real age. Real photos. Starting with honesty saves everyone time.

From Aria

Write it the way you’d talk to me at 2 A.M. Honest, specific, a little funny. That’s the version of you people want to meet.

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[question]What’s the worst dating profile line you’ve ever seen?[/question]