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Top 5 mistakes online singles make most
A recent Match.com survey solicited your responses to the following question:
"What mistakes do online singles make most?"
Keep reading, fearless singles, as we reveal the results and divulge details to help you avoid annoying mistakes.
- Poor spelling and grammer
50 percent of respondents reported problems with people not checking their spelling and grammar. Unforunately, small errors can make a big — and bad — first impression.
"I generally can tell which mistakes are simply typos and which are symptomatic of duncehood," says Jean-Pierre, 40. "I'll pass on profiles in which a woman describes herself as 'smart, articulate, witty and educated' but then types 'could of' for 'could have' or screws up there/their/they're."
Lesson learned: Prepare your profile and your responses in programs that allow you to check spelling and grammar. Read your work aloud to catch further errors, and run it through the checker one more time. By then the chances are good that you'll be free of mistakes.
- The ex files
23 percent of respondents want other singles to stop writing about their exes.
If you need to write about your last relationship, you're probably not ready for the next one.
"References to a former relationship speak to me of unresolved issues," says Wylecia, 27. "Maybe he was 'done wrong' or maybe he's put his ex on a pedestal. Either way, it's a big red flag that reads 'Not Ready'."
Lesson learned: Don't disclose too many details until you get to know someone better. Talking about past relationships can make you come off as bitter and unavailable to emotionally health-conscious daters.
- The group shot
13 percent of respondents think including other people in your photos is problematic.
Each of us has flattering pictures taken in groups, but resist using them as your primary photo. At best, the group diverts attention from you. At worst, the viewer might think you're someone you're not.
"A personals photo should be all about you, not your friends," says Michele, 38. "And no photos with your ex. Maybe in some warped way you're trying to show you're dateable, but it doesn't work."
Lesson learned: Step into the spotlight. You're the one trying to attract a date, so why dilute your message by advertising someone else's face beside yours?
- The missing link
10 percent of respondents take offense when someone tries to cut someone else out of their photo.
"There's nothing worse than the disembodied hand or shoulder," says Tim, 29. "If you're going to edit someone out of a photo, use a program that allows you to airbrush the space so it doesn't look obvious. Cropped pictures look bad, and they show you're too lazy to do it right. Just take a new photo."
Lesson learned: Invest in your romantic future by posing for new pics. Go for fun shots that help other singles see you in your best light (literally), enjoying favorite activities or hobbies, etc.
- Gender issues
Three percent of respondents have had it with Match.com members choosing the wrong gender or gender preference.
"It's only happened a couple of times," says Arturo, 34. "But every so often, a woman will show up in my list of matches. The first time it happened, I thought she might be a guy in drag. But then I realized that she had simply clicked the wrong button — indicating that she was a man instead of a woman."
Lesson learned: Review all your selections carefully before confirming your profile. Read all your answers aloud for good measure.
Following these basic tips can help you avoid common mistakes in your free profile and may lead you to your ideal match. Search for local singles today!
By Margot Carmichael Lester Match.com
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