Three Things Your Online Dating Profile Should Say (and one thing it shouldn’t!)

Ah, the world of online dating. So many people, sites and options at your fingertips. But how do you know just what to say in one of those profiles they make you create? I know the prospect of talking about yourself doesn’t come naturally to many, but by following these three simple tips on what to include in your online profile, you can easily create one that is you to a tee. But there’s one thing you should leave out of your profile in every instance. Read on and find out what you’re missing!

Your passions – talk about them. They are the things that make you a better person at the end of every day: your passions. It’s possible that you’re living your passion as a career, but wherever they fit in your life, don’t be afraid to share them with your potential matches. Whether it’s cycling, charity work, cooking or reading about the Tudor period in British history, these passions are often what attracts people to one another (and they can also be great fodder for first date ideas!).

Your sense of humor – laugh a little! Not everyone is a fan of George Carlin’s in-your-face humor. You might be more of a Monty Python type or one who appreciates the dry, deadpan wit of Steven Wright. Whatever you find funny, let your matches know. Laughter is what keeps relationships going through the toughest of times, so give those reading your profile a hint of what they can expect if they’re the one lucky enough to share time with you. Who knows? You might even make someone smile with your profile!

How you relax – we all work hard and play hard. There’s nothing more annoying than reading that you “work hard and play hard.” That says nothing about who you are and what fuels you. Give your potential matches an idea about how you like to wind-down at the end of the day. Perhaps it’s the evening news and a glass of wine. Maybe you find nothing more relaxing than reading to your kids. It could be that your day just isn’t complete without taking your dog to the dog park for a little canine camaraderie. When you’re not going 100 miles per hour, your matches want to know how you will slow down to spend time with them. Give them a glimpse!

And the one thing that should never be in your online dating profile: negativity. We have all had our hearts broken and sometimes have bad days at work. The guy who drives slow in the fast lane will be the death of us all. But when it comes to your online dating profile, check your baggage at the door. No, you don’t have to be overly chirpy or artificially sweet. Definitely be you. However, why not let your potential matches get the chance to see all of the wonderful things you are first? Save the story about how your marriage ended or how you can’t stand people who don’t understand the value of charitable giving. Leave out the laundry list of everything you don’t want in a mate and focus on the highlights of the person you’re dreaming about. Think of your online dating profile as your chance with a genie in a bottle: make your wish for all that you want. You never know – your dreams just might come true!

Your online dating profile is your chance to shine. By talking about your passions, what makes you laugh and what relaxes you, you’re already placing yourself ahead of the rest of the folks out there who say the same old thing. Keep it positive and leave your baggage at the door. Nobody wants to go out with a killjoy. Show them who you are, why you’re special and what makes your life wonderful each and every day and you’re likely to find someone who feels the same way about their life, too!