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Online dating is one of those weird things that is somehow simultaneously exciting and frustrating. In theory, the ability to find a significant other with one simple swipe is great, but in practice, things are a little more complicated than that. First, you have to figure out how to write the perfect dating profile — one that encapsulates all the nuances of your personality — and then learn to recognize the dating profile red flags to watch out for in other people's bios, too.
In a recent AskReddit thread, women shared examples of the biggest dating profile dealbreakers that they've come across, and their responses are super enlightening for anyone who's nervous that their bio is scaring off potential matches. But remember: even the most seasoned online dating vets make mistakes and experience rejection sometimes, so there's no point in beating yourself up over a failed relationship attempt. All you can do is make sure you're putting your best virtual foot forward, and wait patiently until you meet someone you really connect with.
Here are 25 examples of things some women don't want to see in dating profiles. (And even though this advice is from women to men, the same general principles can be applied no matter your gender or sexual orientation.)
2
Overuse Of Emojis
I love emojis as much as the next woman, but when you use them as a visual aid after every sentence of your profile, that's a bit much.
4
Badmouthing Your Exes
If your entire profile is a rant about how much you loathe your ex, we're going to assume you're not really over them.
5
Insulting Women On The App
On a similar note, insulting your potential matches by making assumptions about them (as if all women on dating apps are the same) is a huge red flag.
6
Laying Out All Your Baggage
Being open and honest with a partner is important, but laying out all your past relationship baggage to total strangers via your dating profile isn't really appropriate.
7
Calling All Women "Crazy"
It's pretty rude to boldly proclaim that "all women are crazy," and it definitely won't endear you to us.
8
Describing Yourself As "Alpha"
When I see the phrase "alpha male" in your profile, I don't assume you're ~manly and tough~ — I assume you have an ego problem.
9
Having A Weird Obsession With Your Vehicle
It's cool that you like your car and everything, but you should probably work on your priorities.
11
Using Bad Grammar
Knowing the proper use of "their," "there," and "they're" goes a long way, as does taking the time to write out full sentences.
12
Listing What You *Don't* Want
Writing out a list of all the traits you don't want in a partner will make you seem super negative; instead, focus on the traits you do want.
13
Putting A Memorial To A Deceased Relative
You might think it makes you seem sensitive, but in reality, it makes us think you're using your dead grandma to get sympathy swipes — yikes.
14
Posting Only Shirtless Or Group Pictures
I don't want to date a set of faceless abs, or you and 12 of your closest friends.
15
Being Super Vague
There are so many people on dating apps, and if your profile is either blank or super vague, we're going to move on to the next person who at least made an effort to write a bio.
16
Listing Physical Traits You Want
Obviously, everyone has preferences for potential partners, but listing out all the physical traits you want comes across as super shallow.
17
Saying You Don't Read
It's OK to have different hobbies than your partner, but outright saying you "don't read" makes you seem immature and like you're unwilling to broaden your intellectual horizons.
18
Having A List Of "Rules"
It's important to find a partner who fits into your life, but if you're rigidly focused on filling a particular space and aren't willing to be flexible, that's a red flag.
20
Talking About Spoiling A Woman
If you're on a site specifically for sugar daddy/sugar baby relationships, then that may make sense. But mentioning in a Tinder bio that you want to "spoil" a woman seems condescending — we can make our own money, thanks very much.
21
Referring To Yourself As A "Nice Guy"
If you're really a "nice guy," your actions will show that, so you don't need to tell us. And yes, women do like nice guys — just not the kind that expect romantic or sexual attention in return for their "nice" actions.
23
Writing A Sexual Resume
Even if you're only looking for hookups, have the decency to wait until all parties have expressed consent/interest before sharing the nitty-gritty details of your sexual fantasies.
24
Acting Like "Intelligent Conversation" Is So Rare
Everyone can hold an intelligent conversation about something, and it's pretty demeaning to assume someone is unintelligent just because they don't share the same interests or outlooks as you.
25
Posting Pictures Of Dead Animals
Liking to hunt and fish is fine, but that doesn't mean we want to see dead animals on your dating profile. Seriously, that's not romantic or impressive in the least.
Ultimately, everyone has different dating dealbreakers, and only you can decide what does and doesn't ~do it~ for you romantically.
Check out the “Sex & Relationships” stream in the Bustle App for tips, tricks, and advice on friends, sex, dating, and everything in-between.
