MOST ANNOYING PHRASES ON ONLINE DATING APP PROFILES
We all have reached a time in our life when we are looking for companionship. And we all know one way to try and find it (which beats the awkward glances and signing up for a weird mingle club) is through online dating.
Online dating has provided an easier way of trying to meet someone without fully getting out of your comfort zone for someone you don’t even know yet. However, although it beats the awkward stair during a mingle session, online dating, or should we rather say, the users of online dating, also has its own annoying side.
One of the first things you start to notice while trying to find your match online, is the annoying and awkward profile bio’s.
One of which pops up a lot across some of my searching, was ”I'm an open book, just ask.” That might be one of the least surprising ones, as many would like to hear that the person they are trying to build a connection with is upfront and have a slight chance of being honest.
If you've spent any time on online dating apps, you've likely noticed there are a similarity in language which has taken over many bios. There are phrases that pops up over and over again: "Just say hi." "Fluent in sarcasm." “References of just looking for a good time.” But hey, they definitely stand out a bit, but not in the best way they would have hoped.
While having a get together with a few friends on Thursday, my one friends opened up and said that he is finally over his ex and ready to move on. He added that he reactivated his dating profile and started to build a conversation with this girl. I couldn’t help but ask him about his bio. He revealed that he said he is just “looking for good conversation and a connection,” and then revealed that it has worked for some of the friends before.
Even though we don’t know where some of this phrases has originated from, we do know that they have been used across the world on several dating apps. However, we do accept them as we also can relate and agree dating app profiles can be challenging to write. It is not always easy to describe your personality and unique characteristics in only fifty to hundred words. And you are also looking for a personality that fits yours, but how do you choose between what best parts are the most important to notice first.
But not even trying a little bit on showing who you are is also not the best thing. An example of such annoying phrase, I already mentioned it above. (Sigh) The “Fluent in sarcasm” phrase has also been seen quite too many times. I certainly have a sense of humour, but sarcasm, not my thing. It’s quite possible that "sarcasm" has become shorthand for having a sense of humor. But ask yourself this, What exactly is appealing about constantly saying things you don't mean?
Let’s first go back to “I'm an open book, just ask”
It is still a positive thing to signal an openness to share about yourself with a potential match. But, this phrase is often a lazy-sounding and zero effort stand-in for writing a bio. Remember, the bio is there for a reason. It is a way to help others see if they are interested in the person you describe yourself to be. Don't invite them to go on in to this with the hopes that you both, say, like to watch the same series (such as Glee) over and over again. It is super annoying to try and find a topic of discussion if every one you mentioned so far keeps leading to snoring signs.
[Height] because apparently that matters
Adding this to your bio is like taking an unneeded snotty little swipe at future matches who actually might not care how tall you are.
I'm bad at replying
If you can’t see why this is annoying then you and who ever upholds this phrase are a perfect match. For those who might like a bit more effort and conversation this is mind boggling. You are defeating the purpose of online dating sites. Replying and trying to connect is how most of these sites work.
Looking for a partner in crime
Please get a yacht so that we too can crash into an ice berg.
Not looking for a pen pal
This I can admit, there's a common problem among online daters, where chats just go on too long without either party trying to take the next move of meeting the other person. Wasting your time on long time conversations without taking the next step imatches is off-putting. Instead, try to be more intentional about steering the conversation toward making plans, if that is what you what off course.
Here for a good time not a long time
If nothing else, at least you’re being honest and up front about what you want. That is respected. And hey, if someone else out there is also not looking for the whole red roses, annual valentine thing, it may not matter you're not a poet. But you must take in consideration, that even if you're trying to lock down a date for Friday night and nothing more, there are still tons of profiles competing against yours.
Quotes way too much from The Office
It is completely normal to think that a common interests on your bio will attract a potential match. But there is one thing that you should try to remember, pick an interest that's more unique to you than, well, one of the most popular television shows in recent memory. Maybe there was a one point in time, where liking The Office, which was the most watched show on Netflix in 2018, meant that you are the kind of person who likes cringe humour, enjoys a laughter and a prank, and not cringing while watching a heart-tugging will-they-won't-they romantic movie. However times has changed and now a days it only means that you like a popular show. That's similar to hoping that someone picks you because you like French fries or toast.
Looking for the Jim to my Pam (or vice versa)
I’m in two minds about this one. On one side, you're trying to say that you're looking for something serious while also nodding to a piece of pop culture you're into. But again, this is what I was discussing above. IT’S THE OFFICE. Rather chose characters from a show, movie or book that's more unusual or just leave the cliche altogether and write something else.
I'm just here for the dog pics
I genuinely have no idea what this is trying to say exactly. Either that you love dogs and the person you are looking for should have the same liking or maybe that you have a sense of humour?
I've got my shit together. You should too.
Really? Should they? Yes, good for you for having everything in order and knowing exactly what you want, but it might not be the same for everyone else. As they say, every flower bloom on its own time. So maybe be less abrasive about it? You might loose someone who might have been the perfect match.
General references to having fun and laughing
Please file this under the “clueless interests” and place it in the “common sense” box. You know what would be more interesting than putting “looking for a good laugh” on your bio? Showing me the person who hates laughing and having fun. They got some issues.
No. Why don’t you say hi? I can wait.