Cliches for Women to Avoid in Online Dating Profiles

One of the most overlooked aspects of successful online dating is knowing how to attract people to you online. After all, this is your first chance to make a good impression - and it starts with crafting an intriguing profile, one that makes people want to engage with you.

Think of it this way: if you were to approach an attractive stranger, you want to have a great opening line, as opposed to something that sounds like a cliché (i.e. "Hey, come here often?"). You want to strike up a conversation, to spark his interest.

Which is why it's important to put a little work into your profile. It helps to be specific about your experiences, to let your matches get a picture of who you are. When you're too generic in your description, there's nothing that makes you stand out.

Following are some clichés to avoid - be sure to change them now!

"Family and friends are really important to me." While this might be true, it doesn't say anything about you. Try telling a story instead: "I love playing basketball with my adorable twelve-year-old brother every weekend."

"I love to laugh/ have fun, so a sense of humor is a must." And who doesn't? Everyone thinks they have a good sense of humor. Instead of saying this, describe something that makes you laugh, or the best outing you had in the past couple of months.

"I never thought I'd be doing this online dating thing..." If you're admitting this to online daters, you're not going to get very far. Even if this is true, don't say it. It's insulting to everyone else.

"I'm looking for someone taller than me, at least six feet." It's good to have some physical preferences, but if you limit yourself to a specific group of men, you're going to restrict your choices. Also, other men (who are six feet) might think you're too picky. Be more open.

"Looking for my Prince Charming/ Knight in shining armor/ etc." Can you imagine saying this in person to a total stranger? Then don't say it online either. No man wants to live up to that. Relationships take two people, not one savior. Instead, focus on what you want from a real relationship with a real person.

"Don't contact me if you're a player or a cheater." Nobody wants to date someone who hasn't forgiven a past transgression. And don't assume future boyfriends are out to get you. Start on a clean slate, and you'll get more responses.

"I like all kinds of music/ movies/ video games/ etc." Nobody likes everything, and most people have a preference. Don't be afraid of stating yours. It sets you apart from others, and you can feel free to be yourself.