I’ve swiped a lot on the dating apps: whether it’s Hinge, Bumble, the League, or Tinder (although I don’t use Tinder anymore), I’ve tried them all. And lots of swiping means I’ve seen LOTS of dating profiles. Like…thousands. If you think your dating profile is unique, you need to read this article. I’ve seen the following dating summaries, “unique” dating profiles, and dating “conversation starters” time and time again.

So guys – if you want to stand out, don’t fall into the trap of using one of these boring descriptions for your online dating profile!

Jump ahead to:

5 Non-Unique, Boring Ways Guys Describe Themselves on Dating App Profiles

1. I Like to Travel (so does every other guy)

I can’t tell you how many guys mention “travel” in their online dating bio. Most people like to travel, so this doesn’t make you stand out. I roll my eyes when I see, “Let’s travel the world.” Every guy writes that and it comes across as fake. Most people only have 2-3 weeks of vacation, so it comes across as a bit disingenuous when you mention taking a girl with you to “any exotic location.” Yes, some of you may be able to make this dream a reality, especially if you have money, but it comes across as either 1) fake or 2) showing off.

Want a unique dating profile? Here’s a better thing to write.

To stand out, elaborate and provide more detail. Do you like vacations that involve hiking through the mountains or tanning at the beach? Do you like exploring small, rural towns, or trying out fancy restaurants in big cities?

Provide detail so that the girl can image what traveling with you actually looks like.

2. I Love Sports (not unique)

Most guys like sports. Even if you don’t mention sports in your online dating profile, we assume you like sports. Being a “huge sports fan” doesn’t make you stand out.

Should you keep the reference to sports in your dating profile?

Sure – go ahead and keep it. Like traveling, it’s not a bad thing to mention at all, but it’s not unique. Try to be as specific as you can. Do you have a favorite team? Mention why you like them the most. Do you prefer basketball or football? Explain why to provide additional context. For example, “I love basketball because football games are just too slow and long for me.”

3. I’m An Open Book (horrible dating profile header)

Guys. Please, please, please don’t say, “I’m an open book. Just ask.”

Most men are straight forward and honest. Delete this phrase from your profile! It makes you look lazy when you don’t take the time to complete your online dating profile.

Need help filling out your Bumble dating profile? Check out this article for an online dating bio template.

4. I’m Career Focused (boring dating profile description)

We love it that you are career focused, but this doesn’t make you unique. It also comes across as vague and could be a yellow flag.

When we see “I’m career focused” or “I’m a hard worker,” we think:

Well, duh. I expect all men to have a career by the age of 30.
Isn’t everyone a hard worker? This should be a given.
Does this mean he has no life?
Does this mean he has no hobbies and works 60+ hours a week?
If he’s career focused, then he must not be focused on finding a relationship right now.

So guys, please delete this line. Find something else to fill up space in your online dating profile.

What’s a better dating profile idea?

Instead of saying, “career focused,” explain what you love most about your job. Or explain that you’ve “made it to the top” and are “settled” in your career, and are now seeking a woman to enjoy life with..

We want a driven man, but we don’t want a guy that is too focused and hung up on work. These types of guys are so boring! (I’ve been on dates with the consultants or finance guys who work 60+ hours a week and some of them completely lack a personality.)

5. Netflix or Nightclub? – Netflix (don’t choose this dating prompt guys!)

I love that Bumble has conversation starters and prompts, but it results in duplicative answers from many men. You wouldn’t believe how many men answer the question of “Netflix or Nightclub?” with a simple response of “Netflix.” Most guys after the age of 30 prefer Netflix, so this doesn’t make your dating profile unique.

The second worst prompt on Bumble?

“I’m overly competitive at…”

95% of guys say, “I’m overly competitive at everything.” The other 5% say, “I’m overly competitive at sports.”

Guys: Just delete this prompt! Choose a different Bumble profile prompt, like, “We’ll get along if…” or “My perfect Sunday…”

Parting Words of Dating Advice for Men: Don’t Use Vague Adjectives

As a last piece of dating profile advice for you guys, please don’t use vague adjectives. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen “honest, funny,” and “sense of humor” in men’s online dating profiles. Use a thesaurus and come up with new words.

Want more dating advice for men?

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