Online dating is as natural a breathing in this day and age and everyone is giving it a go as a way of meeting a potential partner.

Relationships on Female First

Relationships on Female First

Despite it being super easy to get into, many of us are still making common mistakes when setting up our profiles, which could damage our chances at finding love.

Doug Haines, co-founder of The London School of Attraction, has given us some insight into the top 5 online dating mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Being Generic.

There’s no originality, no thought and no views, the sort of profile that says: “I love surfing and travelling. I love nights out and evenings in”. The sort of profile that tells you that a good Sunday is a nice walk or sometimes a DVD.

2. Giving the Hard Sell.

Profiles that bang on about how great they are sound desperate and give totally the opposite impression. Desperation is a big turn-off. So leave off the “I’m really funny” and “all my friends tell me I’m a great listener”.

3. Telling Not Showing.

Let’s say you actually are a great listener. Don’t just tell people. Give them a cool anecdote which demonstrates it, something like: “I love nothing more than a Sunday in my garden with a pot of tea hearing about my friends’ lives. I love listening to other people and trying to offer some thoughts – it gives me clarity on my own life”.

4. Not Giving Context.

Don’t hide from the online dating thing. You have a profile online and it’s ok. People actually find it reassuring to hear why you’re meeting people online. Is it because you’re too busy for bars and clubs? Is it because you want a quick hook-up? Is it because you’ve just moved to a new town? Give context and don’t hide your motivation to give online dating a go – believe me, there’ll be people out there who share it.

5. Making Excuses or Being Negative.

I’ve left the worst for last. Never say: “my friend persuaded me to have a go at online dating” or “I’m pretty sceptical but I guess anything is worth a go once”. I won’t patronise you with why this is bad, but we see it ALL the time. eHarmony UK wrote this great article providing tips for helping you make that profile shine through with positivity.