You’ve decided to take the leap and give online dating a try. Congratulations! Online dating a great way to meet someone, especially if you’re over 50. It no longer carries the stigma it once did. If you’re ready to start creating your profile, you may hit a few roadblocks. How much information is too much information to share?
Here are some tips to help you stay safe in the online dating world while still including enough specifics to show off your authentic personality.
Online Dating After 50: How Much to Share & How to Stay Safe
1. Safety
It is very important not to give away any personal information that might jeopardize your safety. No one should be able to deduce your workplace, home address, last name, or personal contact information from the details you share on your online dating profile.
Including too much information on your profile can actually put you at risk for identity theft — in fact, there are even instances of scammers who have created fake online dating profiles for the sole purpose of luring unsuspecting victims. Proceed with caution and remain alert for anyone who seems more interested in your personal information than they are in your personality.
2. Save It for the Date
Some topics are best reserved for in-person conversations, or even second or third dates. No need to divulge your 10-year plan, details about your dysfunctional family, or the soul-sucking way that your last relationship ended. Allow the serious conversations to unfold over time, and use your profile to paint a positive portrait of who you are.
3. Share Your Passions
Give your prospective dates the opportunity to learn about you by sharing what’s important to you on your profile. Do you have kids? If so, how many, and what do you enjoy doing together? Are you a runner or dedicated to a pet rescue organization? Share insight into your passions and allow others to see what common interests you may have.
4. Keepin’ it Real
Include realistic current photos of yourself so that there are no surprises when you actually meet in person. Be proud of who you are, and make no excuses. If you love spending time outdoors and prefer a ball cap to a ball gown any day, include a photo of you hiking or biking in your workout gear.
5. Show Off Your Uniqueness
Avoid clichés in your profile. Everyone seems to be “just as comfortable in a pair of jeans as in a little black dress,” but that information isn’t going to help anyone get to know you any better. Fill your profile with details that show who you are as an individual. If you’re into history, discuss some of your favorite travels to historical sites. If you love to cook, list a couple of your favorite dishes. If you collect works of art, talk about a few of your favorite artists.
6. Keep It Updated
There’s no need to update your online dating profile as often you would with your Facebook status, but it’s still a good idea to keep it current. Consider making your lead profile pic relevant to the season so you’re not donning a sweater and scarf in July. People tend to skip over profiles they’ve already looked at, so make sure yours is updated with current info and photos to maintain a fresh look.
If you’d like more tips on how to succeed at online dating, sign up for this FREE live training call to help you improve your online dating profile. Hurry…it’s TONIGHT, September 17th, from 8-9 PM EST. If you can’t make it, no worries. Register and we’ll send you the replay.
Discover the top 3 mistakes midlife daters make (and how to easily turn them around to find a loving partnership)! The guide is yours absolutely FREE by clicking here.
Dating at this age can be confusing. That’s why Sandy Weiner is here to give you clarity about understanding men, dating, and relationships after 50. She will help you stay focused and positive towards your goal of attracting the love you deserve. Click here to learn more about the Inner Circle coaching group.