Be the person you want to see in the world. And also on Dating apps.

This is going to be a short one, but it will be worth it. Dating apps have never been as popular or as wide-reaching as they are right now, with Tinder being easily the most wide-spread. This means that you, a dating app user, have a potential match pool that is larger than literally anyone in history. You can connect with someone wherever you are and no matter where they are. This is obviously amazing, but it has downsides. There was a time when you could be reasonably sure that connecting with someone was the result of some commonality between the two of you. Maybe you both like rollerblading or you’re both regulars at a coffee shop. But with dating apps, the commonalities that we once took for granted are gone; because we can match with anyone, anywhere, odds are good that the two of you won’t have anything in common (other than being super hot).

More on shared interests

This is why it’s important to tailor your profile, not just to showcase yourself, but to send a message about what you’re actually in to (more on profile pics). Do you have a picture of yourself hiking but prefer playing video games and chilling? You’re broadcasting to people who are interested in you that a good first date might be a hike up a mountain, when in reality, the photo of you hiking was from a family trip and you hated every minute of it, but you looked cute so you put it up anyway. Your profile is your space to attract someone who likes at least some of the things you do. Do yourself a favor and grab a friend, and have them take pictures of you doing the things that spark joy in your life - it will save you a lot of uncomfortable first dates.

Bottom line: make your profile look like who you are, not who you think people want to see.