Most Common Lies In Online Dating

In a survey of 1000 single online daters, it has come to light that 53% of them have lied in their profiles.

The fact that you can’t get away with lying in your profile for long doesn’t prevent a lot of people from doing it. Don't let this put you off - it's not to say that every person you speak to on the internet is lying to you - but we've all heard one story or another about turning up to your date and being met with Frankenstein when you were expecting Prince Charming, or finding out that they're a vegan activist as you take your seats at the burger pop-up you'd picked for the date.

According to the survey, women are 10% more likely to lie than men, with their most common porky pie being about their looks. This means weight, shape and even hair, frequently in the form of outdated photos, which 20% of women are guilty of doing! 

Men's top lie is about having a job that is better than the one they've actually got; although women aren't much better at this one either! 40% of men and a third of women have stretched the truth regarding their professions; making it sound more glamorous and even intimating that they earn a far higher salary than they do in reality. 

  Here are the top ten lies told by each sex:

Top 10 Lies Told by Men
Job
Height
Weight
Physique
Money
More senior than they really are at work 
More interesting profession than they actually have
Knowing celebrities
Having an assistant or employees
Working in the film industry

Top 10 Lies Told by Women

Weight
Age
Physique
Height
Money
Bust
Glamorous profession
Knowing celebrities
Having an assistant or employees
Working in entertainment

Writing Your First Message

Writing the first message to an online match is not quite as simple as just saying hello… But it’s not rocket science either! 

To make a good first impression, think about some of the following when you’re writing your opening message to a HelloYou match:

o Keep it snappy. If you write too much straight away your match will only get bored/scared.

o Don’t use ‘text’ speak. It won’t make u sound lyk the intelligent individual that u r. 

o ‘Hi’ and ‘hey’ are likely to be yawned over. Get creative, get specific.

o Don’t copy and paste the same message! It might seem like a convenient cheat sheet to online dating, but generic messages are easy to spot. Putting in the time to write something that’s tailored to each person you speak to will pay off!

o Comment on something in their profile; this proves you’ve read it and it will make your match feel that you’re interested in them so they’ll be more interested to reply.

o If you read something in their profile that you have in common it’s a good thing to mention in your message.

o Don’t go on about yourself. 

o Ask a question; it makes it easier for them to reply!

o Don’t exaggerate or invent shared interests. 

So with all that in mind, here’s an example of a first message that would encourage a reply:

Hi Anna, 

Your interest in film really caught my eye when I read your profile; although I generally prefer comedy to drama, I definitely count the Godfather Trilogy among my favourite films too. I’ve never read The Great Gatsby though; why do you love it so much? 

Or something even shorter… 

New Zealand is my dream destination, but I’ve never been! What made you decide to leave? 

Give it a try yourself! Head back to www.helloyoudating.com to start looking for your next date. 

How To Fill Out Your Online Dating Profile

Don’t worry if you draw a blank when asked to introduce yourself in three words or with an interesting fact; most of our members say that the self-description aspect is the toughest part about the entire online dating process. To make it simpler we’ve put together some tips and examples on how to turn your clichés into quirks and help your personality come through as much as it can in those few short sentences.

1.     Straight to the point

Of course you want your description to say as much about you as possible, but that doesn’t mean you need to write an essay. If you focus on just a few interesting things about yourself it will make you stand out in the crowd more than someone who tells their whole life story.

2. Honesty is the best policy

Lying on your profile is not going to get you anywhere! Whether you lie in your description or elsewhere on your profile (e.g. about your height or age), it won’t help you past the first date. As soon as you meet them the truth will come out, and besides, why base your relationship on dishonesty?

3.     Be specific

Lists of adjectives don’t make an impact. Saying you’re ‘loyal, funny and down to earth’ is meaningless when there are thousands of other profiles that promise the same. Saying you’re ‘a fan of comedy films and pop music’ is also pretty unremarkable. Instead, focus on what makes you unique. If you do love comedies, what’s your favourite? If you’re a traveller, where is the best place you’ve been? Where do you dream of going one day? Music, sport, theatre, art, TV, literature… Tell us why you love it; tell us specifics that you love! Detail makes you more personable, makes you stand out, and makes it easier for someone to start a conversation; all of which will help you with getting a date.

4.     Modesty

While it’s great to be confident, boasting is unattractive. There’s a clear line between the two – we recommend that you don’t cross it! If you’re unsure about your profile in this respect, why not ask a friend or family member to read over it? They’ll be able to tell you if you’re blowing your own trumpet too much.

Things you could include in your personal description –

·      Hobbies and pastimes

·      Who you like spending time with

·      When you’re happiest

·      What qualities are most important to you in a partner

·      Your best quality

·      Something you’re proud of

·      Achievements

·      Favourite memories

·      Favourite food

·      Favourite film

·      Favourite band (…you get the idea!)

And don’t forget – whatever you choose, make it unique to you! Now head back to HelloYou to give it a go.

Good Luck!

Online Dating Tips

Navigating the dating scene can certainly be challenging, and it's especially tough to know how to present yourself online. How can you show who you are with just a tiny description box, or ensure that your profile will attract the kind of person you want to date?

 

 Streamline your search for that special someone with these tips and tricks for optimising your online dating experience:

Fill up your profile

The fuller your profile is, the more interest it will attract, so it’s important to make sure it’s complete with pictures and a personal description that’s unique to you. Investing thought and effort into your profile will go a long way. 

Love at first sight… 

Your photo is the first thing a potential date will see - so it needs to be current, clear and welcoming; one that encourages someone to read further. Use it to show yourself in your best light; a photo that shows you looking natural and happy doing something you enjoy will be more attractive than one that’s overly formal or clichéd. This means avoid sunglasses, selfies and group shots where no one can tell who you are!



Be specific in your self-description

Just like with your photos, you want to avoid clichés in your personal description. Even if you are loyal, fun and easy-going, so many other profiles say the exact same thing that you’ll never stand out from the crowd. Instead, be specific! If you’re proud of the lobster fishing business you developed from scratch, then say so! Whether you love racing cars, medieval architecture, 1980’s rom-coms or all three – let us know in your profile. Not only does this offer an insight into your personality but it gives plenty of scope to get a conversation started. 

Don’t just wait for them to come to you!

You’re more likely to meet the right person if you actively look for them, rather than just hoping they’ll pop up in front of you. Is there something specific you’re looking for in a partner, or a certain hobby you’d love them to share? Instead of leaving it up to chance, use our browser to tailor your search.

Don’t be afraid to make the first move

Male members are traditionally more proactive online, but a lot of men also say that they find it refreshing when a woman starts up a conversation first. While it’s easier said than done, there really is no reason to be afraid to make the first move. You never know what can happen unless you try! Keep things short to start with – asking a question about something in their profile is a good way to begin – and don’t be disheartened or take it personally if they don’t always respond!

How to begin a conversation

Keep your first message short, but make it clear that you have read their profile. If it says they love film, ask them what their favourite movies are; if they love travelling, ask them about where they’ve been. Starting a conversation with a generic, one-word greeting won’t make you seem like an interesting person, and they’ll be less likely to reply, whereas an interesting question will get conversation flowing right away.  

Moving things offline

Don’t let online messaging go on for too long. Remember; you’re talking to a real person at the other end of the computer and you’re looking for a real relationship – there’s no point letting it build up too much online in case it doesn’t materialize in real life. But don’t put too much pressure on yourself when taking a potential date from online into real life. Sometimes online chemistry doesn’t translate when you’re face to face, and that’s ok! It doesn’t mean it will be the same for every date you go on so don’t be too disappointed. Likewise, bear in mind that some people are far more charismatic in person; so if conversation isn’t flowing online don’t rule out the possibility of a date. 

If you keep an open mind and a positive approach it’s far more likely that you’ll meet someone who’s right for you, and when you do you’ll know it’s been worth the wait! 






Now you’re a bit more clued in on online dating tips, tricks and etiquette, head back to our main website to create your FREE HelloYou account. 

For more dating advice, anecdotes and ideas for improving your profile, browse through the rest of the HelloYou blog.