Dating online as a single mom usually starts with a quick match. After that, you, hopefully, vibe well with that person and move forward. Or, you may feel drained and less optimistic about your experience and back away.
Meaningful online dating requires a lot of your time and effort. You take time out of your day to browse through profiles. Or wait until potential matches appear for you to browse through. Either way, online dating, if taken seriously, is a time-consuming task. As a single mom, focusing on the effort someone puts into their profile saves you time swiping while filtering out red flags.
Here are 7 Red flags to notice in dating profiles that are an automatic swipe to the left.
Let’s start with the profile pictures or someone’s first glance into who you are online.
No profile pic
Seeing a profile without a photo seems like an obvious red flag. This person could be a catfish, a shell profile, or someone hiding from being exposed. Be cautious with profiles without a visual attached.
Wearing sunglasses in all pics
Someone wearing sunglasses in every picture gives off the impression they are hiding their identity. Check to see if every photo was taken outdoors. Notice how far away they are in the frame or that you can barely see their face. Their discretion could be tied to multiple factors that have no place in your dating journey.
No Solo Pictures of Them
When you come across a profile that leaves you wondering who it belongs to, look at that as a red flag. While there is no solid online dating etiquette, your first picture should be one of only you. The first impression when dating usually involves two people meeting each other. So, if you’re unsure of which face belongs to the profile, swipe left.
Cut off Pics
There is nothing wrong with using a cropped photo, especially a good picture of yourself. But seeing profiles with poorly edited photos is a major red flag. The images usually show half an arm around a waist or some other form of badly erased affection. Regardless, taking a selfie is quicker than cropping an ex from a picture. Dating profiles with barely cropped images show a lack of effort, or worse, someone holding on to a former relationship. Stay clear of these profiles.
Kids in profile pics
No matter how cute the kid is, seeing them in pictures on dating apps seems out of place. As a parent, it makes sense to let people know kids are a part of your journey. But as an online dater, profile pictures with kids seem too open for a site full of strangers. Showing kids in photos is something dating profiles can do without, but not necessarily a red flag.
Now let’s talk about headlines and descriptions that are potential dating profile red flags.
A Negative Introduction
On dating profiles, a catchy or clever one-liner starts a conversation. For example, a headline like, I caught your attention, let’s chat is simple and gets straight to the point. Even writing “hi” on a headline is better than sharing how you’ve been hurt before. Some people use their dating profiles as a personal attack that comes across as less than welcoming. A negative opening gives insight into how that person may interact with you online or in person. Try to avoid matches that are looking for closure in the wrong place.
Social media handles
I know firsthand the importance of using social media as a marketing tool. But, seeing potential “daters” use their profiles to gain a social media following is a turn-off. Profiles that use social media handles instead of their name seem desperate for attention. If you’re asked to follow a potential date on Instagram or Snap Chat, before meeting, it could be a red flag. Many of these profiles are clout chasers who only want you to chase them along with many others.
In Closing
Online dating is challenging, but avoiding red flags you see in profiles will help you save time swiping.
Share your thoughts.
What are some online dating red flags you notice on apps?
Are you dating online or ready to join an app? Learn how to break the ice while still avoiding red flags.
