Summary: Online dating is big today, but you should avoid anyone that has any of these things on their profile. Change your profile if it has any of these things.
With online dating becoming more and more popular, it’s important to learn how to decipher between the person who you might want to meet up with in “real life” and the person who’s not for you or even the catfish or creepers. When you meet someone in person, you can use your instincts much more easily, but through emails and text messaging, it’s harder to really get someone’s vibe. There are certain things, however, that can tip you off as to whether or not you want to keep talking to someone. Here are eight red flags to watch out next time you’re browsing dating profiles or screening a message.
- He or she has a long checklist. You know someone isn’t ready for a realistic relationship if they have the ideal partner in mind with a long list to go along: “She is vivacious and outgoing, she is well educated and successful in her job, she likes to go to the gym and go skiing, she is Christian and attends church weekly, she is well versed in politics and world issues, etc. Someone who lists off all the qualities they’re looking for is probably searching for perfection, which just doesn’t exist.
- He or she has tons of photos but barely fill out their profile. This attribute is often the sign of a catfish. When they feature several photos of their beautiful face and physique but put no effort in sharing their personality and experiences in the actual questions area, they either aren’t real or aren’t there for a relationship.
- All of the photos involve alcohol or partying. This person clearly didn’t think through their pictures if they’re trying to attract someone who wants a real relationship. They’re either trying to boost their ego or they really just want a party hook up.
- They send a generic message. If someone actually read your profile and saw something other than your photo that made them want to get to know you, then they’ll put details into their message. If the message looks like something they copy/pasted to several people, skip and move along.
- He or she never wants to meet in person. If you’ve been talking over messaging or text and you suggest meeting up, you should get a yes. You can’t really know someone over text. That’s why getting together is key to seeing if he or she is worth your time. If they avoid it, however, they’re either hiding something or just looking for anyone to talk to. Walk away.
- He or she says they’re looking for someone who is fit. Sure, physical attraction is important, but someone who puts too much emphasis on looking one particular way isn’t someone you’d want to be with for the long term. People change and go through stages of their lives which often affect their body. You don’t want to date someone who might leave you if you gain a few pounds.
- The angry addition. Some people who have been on a dating site for a long period of time tend to add an addendum at the end of their profile sharing how frustrated they are and how they only want someone who XYZ. Avoid people who seem jaded or are already upset before things even begin, because no relationship should start off on that foot.
- Excessive selfies. Pictures aren’t everything, but if his or her profile is only filled with selfies, it says something about their social life. Unless you’re looking for someone who has trouble socializing, you should avoid a potential date who can’t come up with any pictures of themselves taken by another person.