Crafting an online dating profile can feel like marketing yourself to strangers. However, thinking of it as telling your unique story can help you come across as approachable and real. The key is highlighting your personality, wisdom, and passions gained through a life well-lived. With thoughtfulness and authenticity, you can captivate the right prospective partners over 50.
What kinds of photos are most effective at showing my authentic, best self?
Firstly, choose profile photos that convey your vibrancy and interests. Portraits with warm smiles and direct eye contact convey confidence and connect with viewers. Avoid posing with sunglasses or in distracting backgrounds. Activity shots like traveling, gardening or hiking show there’s more to you than just your looks. Don’t hide your age, but select vibrant images that highlight your spirit.
How do I write an attractive and honest dating profile?
Thinking about an online profile after 50 lets you make connections based on shared values, chemistry, and vibrancy. It’s not just about looks. When you know and love yourself, you attract those who can appreciate all you offer.
When writing your bio or descriptive captions, remember less is more. Be specific instead of making generic claims about seeking laughter, honesty and chemistry. Share an amusing anecdote, thoughtful life lesson or touching moment that reveals your unique humanity. Use conversational language – it feels more approachable than formal, stilted phrases.
Discuss values gained through your life experiences to connect with similar-minded singles. For example, perhaps resilience helped you through divorce or health challenges. Share how those experiences opened your heart with compassion.
Mention some causes you care about today. For example, mentoring youth or protecting the environment. This will attract those with shared passions.
What is a good outline for my online dating profile?
When writing your dating profile summary at this stage of life, I generally recommend:
- Aim for 2-3 paragraphs or 500 words maximum. You want enough to convey who you are, but not get overly drawn out.
- Lead with a short, attention-grabbing paragraph highlighting your vital stats, location, and a quick pitch about you.
- Use the next 1-2 paragraphs to open up more about your interests, values, lifestyle, and what makes you unique. Share both facts and bits of personality.
- Close by clearly stating the type of partner or relationship dynamic you seek. This gives potential matches clarity.
- Use section headings like “About Me” and “Seeking” to break up large blocks of text for easy reading.
- Edit yourself to share only the most meaningful info. Don’t ramble or get redundant.
The goal is to give a robust but focused snapshot of who you are and what you offer as a partner.
How much detail should I provide?
Err on the side of less rather than more details upfront. Your profile shouldn’t read like a literal autobiography. Leave some mystery and be encouraging to attract conversation. Highlight past accomplishments and adventures briefly. Don’t give exhaustive timelines or life stories. Save those for later.
How much about my past, former relationships, etc. should I share? What’s appropriate to include?
Honesty is key, but balance honesty with diplomacy. This is true when discussing past relationship challenges, losses, or life changes. A positive yet realistic perspective puts people at ease. For instance, “Divorce was painful, but taught me what I truly need in a relationship.” Difficult experiences handled thoughtfully become signals of resilience.
Most importantly, cast yourself in a positive light. Don’t fixate on past mishaps, hurts, or failed relationships. Present an approachable, fun-loving version of you at your best to make memorable first impressions. The right partner will appreciate your experiences that brought you here.
Should I address my age directly or let my profile speak for itself?
My general advice for singles over 50 is to acknowledge your age upfront, but don’t overemphasize it:
- List your accurate age under your name/heading. This gets it out there directly. No point hiding it.
- Use phrases like “young at heart” or “feeling better than ever” to counter ageist stereotypes.
- Rather than saying you “don’t look your age”, convey your youthful energy through your words/photos.
- Share fun stories or photos that show you embracing life and new experiences.
- Focus your online dating profile on all the positive attributes you bring to a relationship at this stage of maturity.
- Let your personality and passion for life shine through. Don’t let a number define you.
The goal is to own your age with pride and highlight all the ways you can be an amazing partner.
How forthcoming should I be about my physical condition, health issues, etc?
Be upfront about major lifestyle factors. These include mobility limits, needing help, and severe chronic conditions that limit activities. Doing this helps set proper expectations.
- Don’t feel the need to disclose every ache, pain, or minor issue. You can address those privately later when relationships become serious.
- Focus your profile on highlighting what you CAN do, your active lifestyle, and the energy you still have to give to a relationship.
- Share your health dealbreakers early. These include allergies or mobility needs that may impact partners.
- Present information in a positive light rather than complaints. Ex: “Living with well-managed arthritis” vs “crippled by arthritis.”
- If conditions cause visible but harmless symptoms like tremors or skin conditions, briefly explain to dispel concerns.
- Assure you are taking care of your health – active lifestyle, eating well, preventative care. This implies stability.
- Mention openness to discussing health details more personally as you get to know each other.
The goal is being honest while also focusing on your vibrancy.
How should I write about romantic desires?
Address romantic needs and desires openly yet tactfully. For instance, you might explain that you’d love to travel with someone. Or, that you are seeking physical affection missing from past relationships. Just keep it classy versus crass. Some playful flirting is fine, just avoid overtly sexual comments.
How can I highlight positive attributes like maturity, stability, and life experience?
- Share wisdom gained from past relationships and overcoming life’s challenges. This shows personal growth.
- Emphasize emotional availability, communication skills, and self-awareness. These come with experience.
- Mention interests like travel, learning, community service that reflect curiosity and engagement.
- Describe positive personality traits like dependability, integrity, and compassion that develop over time.
- Use phrases like “comfortable in my own skin”, “know who I am”, “what you see is what you get.”
- Post photos of yourself involved in hobbies, traveling, social groups rather than party shots.
- Omit negativity, bitterness, or dramas. Focus on the future, not past grievances.
- Speak about desiring genuine connection, companionship and understanding vs superficial traits.
- Share lessons learned from past relationships and how you’ve grown wiser as a result.
Let your profile show the best version of who you are now. The right partner will appreciate the stable, fulfilled person you’ve become.
Are there any keywords or phrases I should avoid using that may turn off potential partners my age?
Certain words or phrases can send the wrong message or attract the wrong matches when dating later in life. Here are some I’d recommend avoiding:
- “Old soul” – This can oddly emphasize your age. Better to convey your maturity in a more positive light.
- “Looking for my last love” – This can unintentionally sound dreary. Better to express hoping to find a lifelong partner.
- “No drama” – This phrase is cliché and overused. You’re better off describing the positive tone you hope for in relationships.
- “Baggage-free” or “No ex issues” – It’s best not to dwell on past relationships. Focus on the present.
- “Prince/princess” – These terms tend to attract needy or dependent personality types.
- References to “cubs”, “cougars” etc. – Many find these labels tacky or fetishizing at your age.
- “Partner in crime” – At this life stage, it’s better to emphasize emotional maturity and stability.
- “Must love dogs/cats/etc.” – This can limit options. Focus on more meaningful compatibility factors.
The goal is to attract others through your wisdom, confidence, and relationship-readiness. Avoid phrases that highlight age, bitterness, or frivolity.
Summing It All Up
Ultimately, a strong profile is like sharing a toast with friends. A bit of vulnerability, humor, and heart make connections blossom. Reflect often on what makes you tick, then find creative ways to express that online. With vulnerability, honesty, and positivity, making a profile can feel like an exciting fresh start. Soon your inbox will be brimming with potential partners eager to get to know the authentic you!
For more information about creating an online dating profile, see the book “Conscious Dating” by David Steele.
Do you need help with your online dating profile? Do you have any questions? I am here to help you. Book a free half-hour strategy session with me here.
© Relationship Coaching Institute | All rights reserved | Adapted with permission
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