How to write a dating profile that sounds like you

Photos

Use recent photos of you, in clear light, with at least one that shows your face. A full-length picture helps, and a picture doing something you actually enjoy is better than a row of posed selfies. Do not use someone else's pictures, and do not add heavy filters that change how you look.

The words

• Open with one true thing: a favourite walk, a Sunday habit, the kind of evening you actually like.
• Say what you are looking for, even in a line. It saves everyone time.
• Ask a question, or mention something a person can pick up in a first message.
• Skip the list of who you will not date, and skip jokes that only work if the other person already knows you.

Then look at first date tips once the conversation is going well.

Once your profile is up, the next step is saying hello: these first message examples show how to open with something the other person can answer.

Quick questions

How long should a profile be?

A few short paragraphs is plenty. People should be able to read it on a phone without scrolling for long.

Do I have to show my face?

A face photo helps a great deal. People are right to be cautious of profiles with none.