Why I Don't Select You on Dating Websites (Pt 2)

After my first post about this topic, and the follow up discussions I have had with Kerra over at The Levels of Awkwardness and a few others, I had some additions to make about the things that make me avoid you on those dating websites.

Now first of all let me say I know I am no prize. I know what I look like and I am certainly not acting lofty over anyone when it comes to my opinions. I am honestly looking at things and asking myself why I skipped over a profile immediately, or what made me say no and move on. I think this could be helpful in some way to those who are looking for someone.

More Picture Issues

The first thing I addressed before was your picture. I had forgotten the most basic thing of all: there has got to be one! It is hard to believe in this day and age of cameras and cellphones that you do not have the ability to add a picture to your profile. Otherwise, men will think you are trying to hide something. I also see this as a half-assed attempt and that you are not really serious about meeting someone on the site.

Another problem I have with pictures is the group shot, especially if that is the only picture you uploaded. Which one is you? I have no idea, nor am I going to waste the time to find out. If it is one hot girl and one average girl, who do you think the guy is going to hope he is talking to? What do you think will happen when he finds out you are not the one he expected? Awkwardness.

Oh, those user names!

Now let's revisit your user name again. I have a few new words to add to my "avoid at all costs" list: "princess" and "diva". To me, this just screams CONCEITED! I do not need the drama of placing you upon a pedestal. I will put you there if you belong to be there, not because you force me.

Also, I have problems with nationalities, races or creeds. Now I know that this may just be me, but I feel that I am excluded from replying to you. This may be limiting your responses, especially if you are open to anyone.

And please do not combine this with one of the "no-no words". For example, I see a lot of these: "PuertoRicanDiva'" or "AfricanPrincess". I feel like I have no place even reading the profile and I'm afraid some group is going to show up and wonder why some white boy is messing with their women. No it doesn't make sense, but that's what goes through my head.

And one more thing: if I can't even decipher what your user name is without getting a headache, then I am going to pass. If I need an Enigma machine to decrypt it, this makes you appear overly complicated, and not in the right way.

Finally, the profile...

Ah, the profile. Wait, where is it? You mean nothing is filled out? You didn't even try so what makes you think anyone is going to put forth any effort to contact you. No matter how hot your pictures are, most men want some idea of what kind of person you might be (yeah, really).

To me, this is a game some conceited women play. Let me just make a fake name and add a hot pic so I can feel good about all the replies I get! Go away, you are just wasting my time. I'm not playing your game.

The last thing I want to talk about here is how some profiles are vague and non-specific. Tell me exactly what you like. "Watching TV" doesn't tell me anything. There is a big difference between your favorite show being Glee as opposed to Doctor Who! List your favorite authors. What do you own on DVD? Tell me a certain band or singer. No one likes ALL sports! No one likes to do "anything" outdoors. Be specific! Tell me about YOU! Ugh!

Okay, so that one fired me up a little bit. I just hate reading a profile and then realizing it would be better off blank because I didn't learn a single thing about that person.

So that's it for now. More to come I'm sure...