Sometimes a glimpse of the photo on a free internet dating profile is enough to tell you you're not interested. Other times, a lifestyle preference or even the career listed in a person's basic details works as a flashing red sign: avoid, avoid, avoid. But oftentimes profile problems that should probably send you running are subtle ones. You just need to learn how to spot them.
10. No details. You don't necessarily need to know everything about somebody just by reading their internet dating profile. But if you don't feel you learned anything at all, what's the point of contacting them? Chances are, a person who doesn't bother to put any detail into their profile will probably be too careless and lazy to do many other things you care about, as well.
9. Obsessive romance. It's one thing to be sweet and romantic. It's another thing altogether to be creepy. If somebody's internet dating profile is covered in flowery words and descriptions of their perfect man, their perfect date, and their favorite romantic poet, their expectations for a relationship are probably unrealistic.
8. Major grammatical and spelling mistakes. For me, this is a huge red flag, and goes hand in hand with the concepts of consideration and communication. People who care about making a good impression and making their profiles easy to read use a spell checker and spend time on composition. So while a profile doesn't have to read as if it were written by an English teacher, it should be, well, readable.
7. Separated. If possible, you don't want to start a new relationship with a mountain of drama. So if somebody lists their marital status as "separated," believe me: you don't want to get involved. If their marital problems are still ongoing, they probably aren't ready for a real relationship, anyway.
6. Really old photos. Check out the hair and fashion in the photos on your interests' internet dating profiles. If the styles are dated by more than five years or so, chances are they're hiding something. It's better to move on and find somebody who can be straight-forward from the get-go.
5. Non-specific hobbies or interests. People who truly love an activity or a lifestyle are passionate about it. Nobody who truly loves to read, for instance, would say on their profile that they "like reading." They'll probably speak more in depth about their favorite books or authors. If an expressed interest is left vague and unspecific, chances are it's not much of an interest at all. Perhaps it should lead you to wonder who they're trying to fool.
4. References to money. Whether it's the fact that they want money or have a lot of it themselves, a mention of cash on an internet dating profile should send up a bright red flag. Either they're scamming, lying, or trying to attract people to their profile for all the wrong reasons. Even if it's none of the above, talking about money on your profile is jut plain tacky.
3. Too-professional photos. This is another warning sign that somebody may be trying to be taking advantage. While there are plenty of very attractive people at internet dating sites, most of them don't have perfect photos. If a photo looks airbrushed or captured by a professional, there's a good chance that it doesn't even belong to the person behind the profile.
2. Contradictions. Some warning signs just show that a person is lazy or incompatible. But others, like contradictions, can be a sign that a person is dishonest or even dangerous. If one thing a person says about him or herself contradicts another thing (or doesn't make sense when compared alongside), there's a good chance that it (and other elements of their profile) is a lie.
1. Confusing details. Okay, so you've read somebody's internet dating profile in its entirety. Did you understand it all, and have a good idea of what kind of person it belongs to? If not --especially if you're confused about what this person had to say-- chances are he or she isn't a very good communicator. And good communication is an essential part of a good relationship. You may want to do yourself a favor and give Mr. or Miss Confusing a pass.
Roses4mysoul
68 / Female
Comments: 21
Posted on March 23, 2009, 4:06 pm
You're right on in this article, Chloe! I don't use the same order of importance you do, but I use all of them. I never communicate with "separated". "Send me an email" instead of posting a profile? Pet peeve! Old photos? I see the same one he's used for the past 5 years! They think they still look the same. Well...no. Professional photos? Who is that wrinkled, spotty guy who showed up at the date, then? A letdown if not anticipated. Major grammatic mistakes...awful! Keep up the good work, Chloe!
Posted on March 23, 2009, 5:43 pm
Wrinkled AND spotty??!! Say it's not so LOL. Thanks for the feedback Roses4mysoul, it's always a pleasure to hear from you.
ItsAllinTheTongue
34 / Male
Comments: 1
Posted on March 28, 2009, 9:02 am
When a person has no variety to their photo's, Just having one photo pick, or just head shot's often indicate they are possibly over weight , or feel insecure about their looks.
