What to do (and NOT do) for your online dating profile

​So here I am! Dating...

• Dating after divorce... 
• Dating after 12 years of marriage... 
• Dating in my late 30's.... 
• Dating for the first time since texting and social media... 
• Literally dating for the first time ever considering I met my ex husband when I was 20, and who really dates when you're 20... 

Considering all the horror stories people like to share about dating later in life and also with online dating, I have to say I've actually had a great experience and really love dating. (Crazy, I know!) Online dating can be a full time job, you definitely have to weed out a LOT of people, but the ones that did make it to the first (or second or third) date were all really great guys, most of them I'd hook up with any of my friends. I just wasn't into any of them for myself. 

Not that I feel these past couple months exactly make me an expert in online dating, but there are definitely a few common things I saw with a lot of men's profiles... and I believe a little clean up of your profiles will pay off big returns. 

Your online dating profile  is the very first thing people are going to use to get a feel for you, so your pics and bio need to be scroll stopping and really show your personality!  

Let's start with your pics.... 

Add a profile pic I'm still amazed at how many people have no pics at all. If you have no pic, I won't even read your bio. Also, if your account starts to get a bit stale, change up your profile pic to attract new attention. 

Keep your pics current If all your pics are from 10 years ago, she's going to be a little shocked when she meets you in person. I'd rather have you be 30 lbs more than you'd like to be than show up expecting a totally different person. 

Smile in your pics Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised! Smiling shows you're open, friendly and approachable... not closed off or angry. 

Show teeth in at least one pic If every pic of you is a closed mouth pic, I'm going to assume there's a reason and you don't have any teeth. (True story.) 

Limit your selfies Trust me, I'm all for selfies, but one, maybe two is enough, especially for men. And please please please, once we move the conversation over to texting, DO NOT send unsolicited selfies! Just no. 

Add a pic or two with friends This will not only let people know that you actually have friends, but they'll also get a good feel of your personality.

Let your personality shine! If you like skiing, add a pic of you skiing. Fireman? Include a pic in your uniform. Love to travel? Add a pic or two of some of the places you've been. 
​
General pic don'ts 

• No pics of you holding a fish
• No flexing (I don't care how proud of your body you are, save that for later!) 
• No selfies while you're laying in bed (I know you think that's sexy, but trust me, it just looks creepy)
• If you wear a hat, make sure you also have pics where you're not wearing it
• No pics of your car or house or you'll look arrogant

And now on to your bio!

Write a bio Just like the pics, if you don't take the time to write a bio, I'm going to keep scrolling. 

Be YOU!! Don't try to be what you think someone is looking for. Be YOU! Let your personality shine.

Focus on what makes you different I see so many bios that are so vague that they're easily forgettable. What are your hobbies, interests, quirks, likes, dislikes? Be boldly you, be boldly unique and you'll find people who will appreciate you for that. 

Have fun Keep it lighthearted, add humor, don't overthink it and have fun. 

Stay positive Instead of focusing on what you don't like and what you aren't looking for, focus on what you DO like and what you ARE looking for. (This is a great life tip as well.) :) 

Keep the drama off your bio Your bio isn't the place to throw your ex under the bus or talk about how horrible your experience with online dating has been thus far. Also, if you say "I don't like drama" in your bio... I'm going to read that as "I attract drama into my life". 

General bio don'ts 

• Don't say you like to cuddle (trust me, I like to cuddle, but hearing a guy say it in a bio just sounds creepy) 
• Don't mention your sexual tendencies
• If you're a lawyer, you only need to mention it once in your bio, not 4 times
• Don't say "If I like it I'll put a ring on it." (Yes, I've seen that before.) 

What are some of the best... and worst!! things you've seen on an online dating profile? I'd love to hear! 

xoxo
Peace, Love, Glitter & F Bombs