Setting up a dating profile can feel like you’re trying to sum up your entire life in a few lines and a handful of photos. It’s tough, right? You want to show the best bits of yourself without sounding like everyone else. But the best way to describe yourself on a dating site is actually simpler than you think. Just be real and let your personality do the talking. Here are some down-to-earth tips to help you stand out and actually attract the kind of people you want to meet.
Key Takeaways
- Be genuine. Let your real self show, not just what you think people want to hear.
- Share specific details about your life or hobbies, not just generic phrases.
- Keep things upbeat and positive, and skip the long list of dealbreakers.
How to Actually Stand Out (Without Sounding Like a Cliché)
Creating a dating profile is weirdly nerve-racking, right? You want to catch someone’s attention for the right reasons, not because you’ve copied yet another bio about loving long walks or hating pineapple on pizza. Here’s how you can actually get noticed without making people roll their eyes.
Inject a Dash of Humour (But Keep It Real)
Let’s be honest, everyone says they like a sense of humour. So, if you’re going to go for a joke, let it be your own. No memes from 2013, and definitely no dad jokes.
- Slip in something unexpected: “My secret talent? Eating noodles with chopsticks using only my left hand.”
- Share a weird fact about yourself: “I can name every winner of Bake Off, just challenge me.”
Humour shows you’re approachable, but don’t force it. Awkward laughs are best left to first dates.
Ditch the Short Bios and Tired Pick-Up Lines
Honestly, really short bios are the quickest way to go unnoticed. People want a glimpse of what you’re like, not just a one-liner about coffee and travel. If you want a genuine match, especially on some of the safest dating sites for singles over 40, give them a bit more.
What not to do:
- “Just ask.”
- Endless emojis with zero context.
- “Looking for fun, no drama.”
What actually works:
- Tell a tiny story about your weekend mess-ups: “Tried paddle boarding on Saturday. Spent 90% of it in the water. 10/10 would get soaked again.”
- Talk about something you genuinely love, not what you think everyone wants to hear.
- Be specific with your interests. No one’s clocking you on the details, but it’ll give someone a reason to start chatting.
The biggest secret? There’s no secret. Just be yourself, but give people a nudge with something honest and a bit quirky. If you love Sunday roasts or doing puzzles while it rains, say it!
Let Authenticity Do the Heavy Lifting
So many bios read like copy-paste jobs. Full of buzzwords, light on anything real. If you’re after more than just likes, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your secret weapon. When you’re honest and laid-back, you tend to find people looking for genuine connection, not just someone to queue up a ‘good morning’ text. With platforms like Affinity Dates using real ID checks so you know profiles aren’t bots, it pays to be your actual self.
Show, Don’t Tell: Bring Your Hobbies to Life
Listing stuff like “I love music, food, Netflix” won’t cut it. Everyone likes those things. Instead, drop people right into your world:
- “My Saturdays are for hunting down the best slices of pizza, even if it means getting lost somewhere new.”
- “Guitar has been my third arm since I was twelve. Open to band suggestions – only rule: no death metal.”
- “If I’m not watching F1, I’m probably arguing with the telly during Bake Off.”
You want the other person to imagine what an afternoon with you actually looks like. Don’t be afraid to be a bit weird or specific. That’s what sticks in someone’s mind.
Say What You’re Looking For (Nicely!)
You don’t need to spell out a wedding checklist, but a vague “just seeing what’s out there” gets pretty tired. If you’re after something serious, say it. On the hunt for fun dates? That’s fine too! What you’re after matters, and it saves you from time-wasters:
- “Up for nights out or lazy Sundays. Bonus points if you like pub quizzes.”
- “Looking for a solid mate, the kind who’ll split the last chip and won’t complain about my loud evenings watching footy.”
- “If you can tolerate odd playlists, questionable puns, and my obsession with biscuits, we’ll get along.”
Just keep it friendly. Nobody likes a long list of what you won’t put up with. That’s a downer, and it puts people off. Keep it light, and make them laugh. Honesty, with a smile, gets you much further than you’d think.
Key points for authenticity:
- Be straight with your interests. You are not everyone else.
- Share what days with you actually look like.
- Tell people who you’re after, without ranting about what you don’t want.
Authenticity sounds easy, but it takes a bit of courage, that’s why so few people bother, really. Give it a go; you might just surprise yourself.
Nailing the ‘About Me’ Bit: Dos and Definite Don’ts
Alright, brace yourself. This is the section everyone stalks first. Your ‘About Me’ bit is where people check if you’re normal, funny, weird in a good way, or just another copy-paste emoji lover.
Ask Your Mates for an Honest Review
Getting stuck? It happens. Nobody’s as shy as when they’re trying to sum up their entire personality in three sentences. This is when your friends come in handy. Ask them what pops into their heads when they think of you (and brace yourself for some odd answers). Sometimes, a mate will remember that time you helped them move house with only complaints about the weather, or how you make the best lasagne going. That’s gold. Grab those nuggets and pop them in your profile.
- Message a group chat: “Three words to describe me. Go.”
- See which stories they tell about you most often
- Borrow their banter if you’re feeling a bit stuck
Your friends have seen you at your best and worst, so trust them to keep it real (even if it’s mildly embarrassing).
Keep It Positive and Avoid the ‘No’s List
Absolutely no one wants a vibe-killer. If your profile sounds like a complaint box, it’s a hard swipe left from everyone. Ditch the long list of things you don’t want, it’s not a job ad. Focus instead on what makes you happy, curious, and yes, slightly weird. Share the stuff you’d actually chat about on a coffee date.
Here’s a little cheat sheet for what to do and what to bin:
| Do | Definitely Don’t |
|---|---|
| Mention your favourite hobby | List every pet peeve |
| Say what excites you | Complain about exes |
| Add a bit of humour | Use negative phrases |
| State what you’re seeking | Write “no drama please” |
If you’re worried about safety, especially if you’re over 40 and newly single, check out these trustworthy dating sites. Peace of mind helps you be more yourself.
Honestly? The best profiles read like you’re actually talking to someone, not reading your CV out loud at the world’s longest work meeting. Keep it simple, friendly, and as you as possible.
Unsure of what to put in your ‘About Me’ section? Don’t stress yourself. Just keep it simple, stay honest about what you like, and use real pictures. Avoid exaggerating or copying someone else’s words. Sharing a little about your hobbies can help others get to know you faster. Want more tips and to see how easy it is to get started? Come visit our website and begin your journey today.
Just Be You (Seriously)
Alright, so here’s the deal: writing about yourself for a dating site can feel a bit like trying to take a decent passport photo. Awkward, a bit cringey, and you’re never quite sure if you’ve nailed it. But honestly, the best thing you can do is just show up as yourself. Don’t stress about sounding like a poet or a stand-up comedian (unless you are one, in which case, lucky you). Share the stuff you actually care about, let your quirks peek through, and don’t be afraid to admit you’re hopeless at parallel parking or that you have a weird obsession with cheese boards. The right person will find that charming, promise. And if all else fails, ask a mate to give your profile a once-over, they’ll probably remind you of the good bits you forgot to mention. So, go on, give it a go. You might just surprise yourself (and someone else, too). Good luck out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my dating profile stand out without sounding fake?
Be yourself! Share a funny story or something real about your life, like your love for singing in the shower or how you never say no to pizza. Avoid using lines you’ve seen a hundred times. People want to see the real you, not a copy of someone else.
Should I mention exactly what I’m looking for in my profile?
Yes, but keep it friendly! It’s good to say what you want, like if you’re looking for a hiking buddy or someone to watch movies with. Just write it in a nice way, so it doesn’t sound like a list of demands. This helps people know if you’re a good match.
Is it okay to ask friends to help with my profile?
Absolutely! Your friends know you well and can help you see what makes you special. Ask them to read your profile or suggest a few words to describe you. They might remember fun things about you that you forgot to mention.
Save this on Pinterest for later
