It's A Match!
While online dating is supposed to make finding a match easier than ever, it often feels like a thumb workout that leads to nothing. Luckily for men who are tired of striking out, there are a few reliable reasons as to why women pass your profile. Let's look at some reasons turn-ons before moving onto some deal-breakers.
1. Compatability
This easiest answer is also the most logical. Maybe the two of you share a favorite sports team or movie. if two people's interests and lifestyles align, they're more likely to link up.
2. Open To Conversation
As we will see, a good profile is one that lends itself well to conversation. Think of your profile as a dating resumé. You want to make yourself look interesting, be honest about your intentions, and encourage conversation.
3. Interesting Profile
Don't let yourself get lost in the crowd. Women are more likely to swipe right on profiles that show off a user's personality and quirks. If you've had an interesting experience like backpacking through Europe, include that!
4. Good Photos
A picture says a thousand words, so you'd better make yours count. Everyone has different criteria for "good photos" but here are some basics: a high quality headshot-type photo, a photo with your friends (make sure that all your photos aren't group shots so she can pick you out), and a photo with your shirt on.
5. Lifestyle
As we said, similarities in lifestyle may help you find your twin flame. This can be anything from shared political opinions to whether or not you drink. For example, if you're a social drinker and she's sober, that may be a deal-breaker.
6. Questions
People love answering questions about themselves. While dating profiles can include questions from the app itself, you can some of your own. This is a great way to get a conversation started.
7. Animal Photos
A study by the dating app Badoo showed that almost a third of women swipe right on profiles with animal photos. Dogs are by far the most popular, but a pic of you and your cat/rabbit/ferret is also cute. However, you should avoid safari and hunting photos.
8. Prompts
Just like with questions, prompts are an easy way to open up conversation even from the shyest of swipers. Saying something like "tell me your best joke" or "what sort of first date would you want to go on" encourages potential dates to come up with meaningful answers. Plus, this should keep you from having to make the first move.
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9. Funny Bios
Women love a funny guy. If your bio makes them laugh, they're more likely to swipe right so you can continue to make them laugh. Class clowns, this is your time to shine.
10. Attractiveness
We're not going to beat around the bush here. Looks aren't everything, but they are important for first impressions. Don't worry if you're not "conventionally attractive", everyone's tastes are different.
Now that we've covered some of the reasons why women might swipe right, let's look at a few reasons why they swipe left.
1. Empty Profile
We know how overwhelming making a profile can be, especially if there are a zillion prompts to answer. however, an empty profile is the #1 reason why women swipe left. Nobody wants to match with a bot or a man who isn't going to put any work in.
2. Lack Of Photos
While you don't want your profile to be a full-on album, you're going to want at least a couple. A single photo—especially one where you're hiding your face—will make you look like a scammer. Women want to get a sense of your personality.
3. Generic Profile
Oh, you love Friends, coffee and Marvel movies? So do a dozen other guys in the immediate vicinity. Generic traits and interests like these could belong to anyone; show some life!
4. Distance
Not everyone wants a long-distance relationship. If you're only in town for a short period of time or have a significant commute, you may not be the best match for a woman who wants a steady relationship. This is even more true if one of you lacks transportation.
5. Poor Photos
According to the same survey by Badoo, here are some photo categories that women deem "bad": mirror selfies, gym shots, shirtless photos, group photos, and photos of you with a beautiful woman who could be your ex or your sister. Additionally, photos that are blurry, zoomed-out, or badly-lit aren't likely to land you any dates.
6. Lifestyle Differences
Just like we said before, you want your lifestyles to be compatible if you're looking to share your life with someone else. Some lifestyles just won't mesh together. This also goes for political differences; many women won't swipe right on someone they won't feel safe with.
7. Bad Grammar
Just like a sense of humor is attractive, so is intelligence. You don't have to write your dating profile in MLA format like a college essay, but it should at least be literate. Watch out for homophones like "they're, there, and their" and "to, too, and two".
8. A List Of Demands
Few things turn women off quicker than a list of demands, especially if they're appearance-based like wanting partners between a certain height and weight range. You're neither betting at an auction or making a woman in the Sims. A list of demands will get you blocked.
9. They Don't Find You Attractive
We're sorry to say it, but not everyone on the planet will find you attractive—and that's okay. Maybe you aren't photogenic or don't know your angles, but you may not get a chance to impress dates in person if they don't feel that spark. Everyone's preferences are different, so don't get discouraged.
10. They're Just Not That Into You
You could do everything right: high-quality photos (one with your dog), a funny profile, and great potential. And yet, women still might swipe left. One person's perfect match may be another person's nightmare date.
