You only have a few seconds to make a good first impression in the online dating world. When a profile looks good, you swipe right; if not, swipe left. Everyone has their reasons for swiping left on a profile, but some should be universal. If you encounter any of these flags, swipe left immediately and move onto the next one.
1. They didn’t make an effort with their profile.
First and foremost, filling out an online dating profile is not a big ask. Seeing things like “I’ll fill this in later” or “Ask me if you want to know” are immediate dealbreakers. If someone can’t be bothered to fill out their profile and answer a few simple questions, they’re not worth your time.
2. They used a cliché in their bio.
You know the ones: “I’m fluent in sarcasm.” “I’m looking for a REAL man.” “I don’t play games.” These clichés tell you nothing about a person. Your time is better spent elsewhere—with people who can articulate their personal brand.
3. Their interests are too vague.
Steer clear of people who like “the outdoors” or “hanging out with friends.” If you can’t figure out what they do or how they spend their time, they’re either 1. Painfully boring or 2. Being intentionally vague in an attempt to attract as many people as possible. Swipe left immediately, because you deserve matches that have hobbies, interests, and personalities.
4. Their photos show them doing activities you hate.
When you’re swiping through profiles, look for clues in their profile pictures. The activities people are doing in their photos signal how they like to spend their time. If their photos show them at a baseball game and you don’t care for sports, swipe left. If their photos show them rock climbing and you hate the outdoors, swipe left. If their photos show them dressed in Harry Potter cosplay and dressing up like a wizard isn’t your idea of fun, swipe left.
5. They openly want something different than you do.
Many people are open and honest about what they’re looking for from using a dating app—and when they tell you, you should believe them. If you’re ready to be in a relationship, don’t bother with people who are “just here to have fun” or “not looking for anything serious.” Similarly, if you’re looking for something strictly casual or physical, don’t swipe right on people who are looking for love.
6. They complain a lot in their profile.
Avoid matching with people who complain about how difficult dating is or how draining online dating apps are right off the bat. If you’re already dealing with their complaints and you haven’t even exchanged messages yet, trust us—they’ll bring a ton of negative energy to your first date (and beyond). Nobody needs that.
7. You’re just not into them.
Try not to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes, uh, you have to. And if you’re just not getting a good vibe from someone’s profile, swipe left. Life’s too short to convince yourself that you’re into someone.
Take a look at your online dating profile from the perspective of someone seeing it for the first time. Are you subconsciously guilty of committing these faux pas? They’re not automatic deal breakers for everyone, but it is important to understand how potential matches perceive you. And as you’re swiping, if you come across any of these instances in others, it’s okay to swipe left.
