Writing a Dating Profile That Sounds Like You

Writing about yourself is awkward at any age. Most of us would rather paint the house. But your profile is how people decide whether to say hello, and a few honest, specific lines will do far more for you than a page of adjectives.

Be Specific

"I enjoy walks, good food and travel" describes nearly everyone in the country. "I walk the dog on the beach most mornings, make a decent brown bread and I'm working my way round the county by bus" tells someone who you are, and gives them something to ask about. One real detail beats five general ones.

Say What You're Looking For

Company for the odd walk and a meal out? Someone to travel with? A proper relationship? Say so plainly. It saves time for everyone, and the right people will be glad you did.

Keep It Positive

Everyone has a past, and some of it was hard. Your profile isn't the place for it. Skip the list of what you don't want (no time wasters, no drama), because it tends to put off the very people you'd like to hear from. Write about what you enjoy and the kind of person you'd like to meet instead.

Mind the Length

A few short paragraphs is plenty. Enough to get a sense of you, not so much that it reads like a memoir. If you're stuck, answer three questions: what does a good week look like for you, what makes you laugh, and what would you like to do with someone you met here?

Honest Age, Recent Photo

Use your real age and a photo taken in the last year or two. Meeting someone who expected the you of 1998 is awkward for everybody. Our guide to getting your profile photo just right will help with the picture.

Read It Out Loud

Before you save it, read it out loud. If it sounds like you talking, it's ready. If it sounds like a job application, loosen it up. Then have a look at first messages without the fear for when someone catches your eye.

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