How to write a dating profile

A profile has one job: give the right person something to reply to. This checklist is our own advice, written to be practical rather than clever.

The bio

Say what you are looking for, plainly: something serious, something casual, or still figuring it out.
Use specifics instead of adjectives. “I make a mean shakshuka on Sundays” says more than “I love food.”
Mention one or two things you actually do with your week.
Leave out lists of what you do not want; they read as complaints.
Read it out loud once. If it sounds like a job ad, loosen it up.

Prompts and answers

Pick prompts you have a real story for, not the funniest-sounding ones.
Answer in a sentence or two that someone could ask a follow-up question about.
Questions back to the reader (“Tell me your go-to karaoke song”) make replying easy.

Keep it safe

Do not include your workplace, home neighborhood, phone number or social media handles.
If you mention kids, keep their names, schools and photos out of your profile.

Sources: Tinder: Dating safety tips (personal details). Last checked October 25, 2026. The rest of this guide is our own advice.