While couples everywhere celebrated Valentine's Day this week, some singles were swiping through the apps in search of a meaningful connection for themselves.
Whether you're a seasoned online dater or a newcomer, crafting an interesting dating profile is hard work. But it is essential.
Tinder's Global Relationship Insights Expert, Paul C. Brunson, known for his appearances on popular dating shows like Celebs Go Dating and Married at First Sight, shares some important tips to help you stand out online, through the lens of three key aspects - expectation goals, photos, and beige flags.
So, let's explore the art of crafting a captivating online dating profile.
Expectation goals – what are you looking for?
Before diving headfirst into the world of online dating, it's important to set clear expectation goals.
Brunson highlights that clarity on your relationship goals is key before entering the online dating world.
"I think the most important thing is, before you even join the app, is to be assured what your goal is," he explains.
"Today there are dozens and dozens of variations of end goals for a relationship, and so it's important to know what that is for yourself before joining."
It’s 2024 - there are so many types of relationships that exist, making it essential to figure out what it is you’re looking for. Whether it’s a serious relationship, open relationship, casual fling, or even a situationship, making your goals clear helps filter out anything that doesn’t align with what you’re looking for online and is key to helping you find like-minded people.
Photos – be authentic
They're the first thing you see on someone’s profile, and you could probably excuse a bad bio - or lack of bio even - if the photos have been given some thought. You know that they are important. But what are the best photos to use? The most authentic ones, according to Brunson.
He says: "We do a poor job at selecting our photos because we tend to pick the photos that we perceive to be the best. But in actuality, what we need to do is select photos that represent who we are - our authentic self."
Often, users fall into the trap of picking the most Instagram-able moments for online dating profiles, but these usually don’t genuinely capture your personality.
Brunson advises that it’s best to avoid filtered selfies, and instead to focus on photos that show your personality, showing the real you to potential matches – it should be a glimpse into your authentic self and that will become a magnet for meaningful connections.
Beige flags – share your quirks
You've heard of red flags, green flags, and maybe even amber flags... but what are "beige flags"?
"Beige flags are indicators that you are quirky," Brunson explains.
These quirks, usually seen as nerdy or odd, are the unique elements that make you who you are.
"The beauty of including a beige flag is that it represents who you are, unapologetically, and that's important because we are searching for authenticity now," he adds.
In the allure of authenticity, including beige flags in your profile can be a game-changer. They serve as genuine reflections of your personality, attracting people who appreciate your honesty and uniqueness.
Brunson suggest that online daters "include those beige flags, those things that people may think are quirky, but [he] guarantee[s] that people who are curious about you will find those interesting."
"Finding love and even keeping love is harder today than at any point in human history. It is.
But that's the reason why it requires us to set more boundaries and be more intentional about how we go about finding love because the decision of who you choose as a partner, who you allow in your life, is the most important decision that you could make," he reveals.
Online dating becomes more manageable, a little less stressful, and hopefully includes more positive 'story times’ to share with friends, when approached with intentionality.
As Brunson simply puts it, "It's important to double down on authenticity and figure out how you could display you and most importantly, be proud of what it is [you share]."
So, define your goals, share your quirks, and give the authentic online dating adventure a go – you never know who’s meant for you, it could be your very next swipe.
