Top Dating Site Turn Offs

There’s something about working for an online dating site, which encourages people to tell you all their least favourite things about all dating sites. Here are some of the top turn-offs and our guide to how to avoid them…

People who won’t add a photo – “It always seems to be the people who don’t have a photo themselves, who demand that other people have photos on their profile.”

If you are unwilling to put a photo on your dating profile, due to your job or other circumstances, it is a good idea to explain why you haven’t added photos and to say that you will provide photos upon request. Remember to be open-minded about people who don’t have a photo, as you may have a lot in common with them and shouldn’t dismiss someone straight away.

Incomprehensible profiles – “I know that my writing isn’t perfect, but I can’t stand it when I have to re-read something over and over again to understand it.”

Ask a friend to read through you profile to make sure that it makes sense. If they question something that you’ve written it might be worth re-writing that section.

People who hardly write anything at all – “If you don’t write anything about yourself on your profile, I have no idea as to whether we would have anything in common.”

Try to fill in as much information about yourself as possible, without writing an essay. Think about what your likes and dislikes are and what is important to you.

Photos taken in the toilet – “Why do girls do this? For some reason a lot of girls have photos of themselves standing in a toilet cubicle. It’s not sexy, it’s just weird.”

We’re not suggesting that you have to pose on a white background, like in a photography studio, but avoid uploading photos that were taken in the toilet. Try to add a good range of photos including a clear head-shot, a full length photo and some photos of you involved in your favourite activities.

People who are too pushy – “I can’t stand people who won’t take no for an answer.”

If you send someone a message and they reply to you with a “thanks, but no thanks”, don’t try to convince them that you are the right person for them. They may change their mind on their own accord, but sending messages to them once they have already said no will make you seem scary.

Lots of messages, but no date –“I’ve had people send me lots of messages, but not actually ask me out on a date.”

This is a matter of personal choice; some people prefer to only send only one or two messages before meeting up, while others like to send a lot more. The thing to bear in mind is that the goal is to meet someone with whom you connect, so you will eventually need to head out on a date.