Do you remember your first online dating profile? Probably not with fondness, if you’re anything like me. I’m cringing just thinking about mine—full of bad photos, vague captions, and one too many quotes from Southern Gothic novels no one had read. If I was summing myself up on a Campfire Girl badge, it would’ve read: TRYING TOO HARD.

Now, let’s be honest—putting your entire personality into a dating profile is like trying to fit Spanish moss into a mason jar. Sure, you might capture the essence, but the natural beauty gets flattened in the process. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key isn’t to cram everything about yourself into a profile—it’s to highlight the parts of you that catch the sun just right.

If you’re staring at that blank "About Me" section wondering, “Where do I even start?”—I’ve been there. Let’s talk about transforming your dating profile from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few thoughtful tweaks, some light humor, and a dash of your personal magic. Trust me, it’s easier than it seems.

1. The Picture Problem: Stop Serving Exhibit A

Your photo gallery is not a DMV lineup—it’s the opening chapter of your story. Think of it like this: you’re inviting someone into your world. Do they see snapshots of who you really are, or just five semi-trendy selfies taken in your bathroom? (No shame, we’ve all done it.)

Instead of curating a Pinterest-perfect life, aim to showcase your favorite versions of yourself:
- The Action Shot: Are you paddleboarding in the marsh? Building a sandcastle on Tybee Island? Include at least one candid of you doing something you enjoy.
- The Warm Smile: A natural, smiling photo is one of the biggest green flags for potential matches. No need to smolder like you’re auditioning for a CW drama.
- A Group Pic (With a Twist): Let’s clarify—I said group, not a Where’s Waldo of poorly cropped exes. Choose one photo where it’s obvious you’re the main character, but side characters (friends, pets, siblings) make subtle cameos.

Pro tip: Lighting is your best friend. Savannah’s golden hour has taught me more about angles than any photography class could.

2. The Bio Breakdown: Writing without the Snooze Factor

The “About Me” section is where your personality gets to shine, but it’s also prime real estate for clichés. If your profile says, “I love to travel and enjoy long walks on the beach,” congratulations—you’ve just described 90% of humanity. Let’s make it a little more extraordinary, shall we?

Use your hometown or quirks as a jumping-off point. Growing up in Savannah, I might joke, “Yes, I love Spanish moss as much as the next person from here, but no, I do not spend my time ghost-hunting. Okay, maybe once…” Get specific—it’s the details that set you apart.

A simple formula for a winning bio:
- Who You Are: Keep it short. “Part-time writer, full-time brunch enthusiast. Southern art nerd with the ability to quote every line from ‘Steel Magnolias.’”
- What You’re Into: Share interests that hint at connection. “When I’m not nose-deep in a book about Savannah’s historic homes, I’m plotting my next road trip to Charleston—or making my dog Watson wear a bow tie for the occasion.”
- What You Want: Make this light-hearted but clear. “Looking for someone who thinks weird museums are an essential vacation stop and can tolerate my bad attempts at cooking pecan pie.”

Self-deprecating humor goes a long way. Just don’t be too hard on yourself—confidence is key.

3. The Approach to Prompts: From Meh to Memorable

Ah, the dreaded Q&A prompts. These can feel like the live-action version of filling out a seventh-grade Slam Book, except this time, you don’t want to end up reading “Celeste is weird” under “Most Likely to...”

Here’s the trick: Don’t go for hyper-serious answers. (This isn’t a Senate confirmation hearing.) Instead, think of every answer as a conversation starter—or at the very least, something that showcases your uniqueness without coming across as pretentious.

Let’s tackle some examples:
- The Prompt: “The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done…” The Ordinary Answer: “Booked a last-minute trip.”
The Extraordinary Answer: “Agreed to be a last-minute bridesmaid in my cousin’s beach wedding because a seagull pooped on the original MOH’s dress. (True story.)”

  • The Prompt: “Two truths and a lie…”
    The Ordinary Answer: “I’ve been skydiving, I’ve met Taylor Swift, I speak four languages.”
    The Extraordinary Answer: “I got lost in a cemetery after dark, I once caught a selfie-kid at the Masters mid-swoon of Tiger Woods, and I can juggle three cupcakes at once. (Hint: gravestones were involved.)”

Layer in a bit of mystery or humor, something that sparks curiosity. Remember, this is about standing out—not filling in blanks like it’s a Scantron.

4. The Messaging Strategy: Don’t Send Ghost Texts

You’ve perfected your profile, the matches start rolling in, and then… you freeze. How do you even start a conversation without sounding like you’re about to interview them for “60 Minutes?”

Forget icebreakers like “Hey” or my least favorite, “How’s your day?” Think about it—what’s most likely to elicit an engaging response? Aim for something specific, funny, or tied to their profile. Example:
- They mention loving ‘90s rom-coms? “’Notting Hill’ or ‘10 Things I Hate About You’—choose wisely.”
- You both love the same book? “So tell me…what’s your hot take on the ending?”
- They shared a pet picture? “Stop everything—what’s their name and can I steal them?”

A little effort goes a long way here. Nobody wants a conversation that feels like a therapist intake form.

5. Keep It Real (Seriously, Stay True to You)

It’s tempting to “enhance” yourself online. Maybe round up that hiking photo where you look like Reese Witherspoon in Wild even though it was actually a quarter-mile stroll. Or list “wine tasting” as a hobby even though your wine knowledge ends at red or white.

Here’s the thing: dating isn’t about becoming the most impressive contestant on The Bachelor. It’s about connection. Highlight your authentic self—the quirks, the failings, the funny anecdotes you’d share at a party. After all, you’re not looking for the perfect profile swipe; you’re looking for that one person who will love your imperfect self. Trust me—imperfection is way more interesting.

Final Thoughts: Own Your Story

So here we are—the finale of your dating profile glow-up journey. And here’s the kicker: it’s not about crafting the perfect profile. It’s about creating one that feels like you, uncorked and unapologetically real. Think of it as less Picasso portrait and more watercolor sky—fluid, personal, a little rough around the edges.

Remember: Your journey from ordinary to extraordinary doesn’t require a grand transformation. It’s about shining a light on what’s already extraordinary within you, quirks and all. Now go on—channel your inner Scarlett O’Hara (minus the questionable behavior) and craft something compelling. After all, tomorrow is another swipe.