Ask the MH girls the questions you can’t ask anyone else. They’re three women who speak their mind, so don’t expect sugar-coated answers. Today they’re asked: I’m getting back into the dating game. Any tips on what’s appealing or off-putting in a dating profile? – JB
Becky: Firstly, welcome back to the game, JB.
Jess: I think it’s a case of show don’t tell. Choose images that show what you like doing – they’ll be a good conversation starter.
Nik: Trying to be someone you’re not is a huge no. This person is (you’d hope) eventually going to meet you, so be authentic – and don’t flex!
Jess: Make use of the app’s prompts. Give potential suitors something to work with.
It can be funny and playful, and you don’t need to take it too seriously. I like profiles that suggest shades of grey: a funny comment for sure, but also something more meaningful to show you’re not one-dimensional.
Becky: Agreed. And steer clear of the typical red-flag images. We don’t want to see your car or you holding a fish.
Jess: Make sure your photos are up to date. I’ve been on a date with someone from Tinder whose images were at least a decade old. Time, let’s just say, hadn’t been especially kind.
Nik: I’d be looking out for a bunch of photos, too – just one is a red flag. Some of you alone, some with friends.
Jess: As for off-putting, I hate profiles that are like, “Don’t swipe if you’re X, Y, Z”, and then list physical attributes they want in someone.
Nik: Yuck. No cheesy bios in general.
Jess: Or ones that say, “Don’t be like my ex”.
Nik: The general idea: be yourself and don’t overthink it.
Jess: Key tip: the more successful you are, the humbler you need to be. Bios that read like a resume are a huge turn-off.
Becky: The next step will be good communication. Don’t even bother being on there if you have no intention of having a really good chat.
Jess: Absolutely. You want to exchange a few messages to see if there’s potential, but if there is, try to exchange phone numbers early and quit the app messaging. If you’re on the app, use it to actually date. No one needs another pen pal.
