National Public Radio produced a report this week on the “little white lies” that we tell when approaching online dating. Interestingly, we tend to exaggerate our heights and our salaries. We also tend to downsize our weight. It’s not surprising that online singles want to put their best foot forward and fudge the truth a little bit.
It’s perfectly natural to want to present yourself in the best possible light possible. That said, lying in your online profile is not a good strategy. It’s not the way that a true Christian will find his or her partner in life. In some ways we hold ourselves to a higher moral standard than many of our colleagues and friends. This is OK–you are a committed Christian who makes your faith a priority.
There are ways to magnify the success of your online dating efforts without resorting to the little white lies that commonly occur. Do put your best foot forward with your online dating profile! Put up a flattering photo of yourself. Take the time to write a well thought out profile. Make sure that your spelling and grammar are correct. Be funny and creative.
More than anything else, you can increase your success with online dating by being thoughtful about communications with your matches. If someone takes the time to write you an email, return their email with a kind one of your own. When you initiate contact with someone online, write a personal and well written note to that person. It doesn’t have to be long, but it is should be specific and targeted. When you take the time to be thoughtful and considerate, your online dating life will improve many times over.
The NPR article about America’s tendencies with online dating is instructive. When you first have contact with someone online, take their profile with a grain of salt. Know that people will exaggerate aspects of themselves.
Keep in mind that our superficial brains tend to get activated when reviewing the online profiles of potential dating matches. Whenever someone’s profile seems too good to be true, it usually is. Conversely, do not judge too harshly someone’s profile who is being honest and transparent. This could be a great future date!
