The Worst Dating Profile Mistakes Women Over 50 Still Make—And How to Fix Them
Dating apps and dating sites can open up a world of possibilities, even after 50—but only if you know how to use them wisely. As a dating coach, I see the same worst dating profile mistakes over and over again, especially from attractive women who should be having a good time but instead find themselves endlessly swiping and sighing, “Where are all the quality men?”
Here’s the good news: Online dating success is absolutely possible. The only way to get there, though, is to stop sabotaging your own profile. It’s time to ditch the group photos, clichés, and negativity, and put your best foot forward.
I am going to walk you through the biggest mistakes I see women over 50 making on their dating app profiles, and how to course-correct to finally attract your great guy.
Lazy Profiles and Half-Truths: The Common Mistake That Kills the First Impression
When your online dating profile is just a few half-hearted sentences and a blurry photo from 2013, you’re telling potential matches that you’re not serious—or worse, not interesting.
A first impression matters more online than in the real world. Why? Because if your profile doesn’t grab attention, they move on to the next profile in a nanosecond.
Here are a few profile tips to avoid falling flat:
✅ Never leave sections blank. Every sentence is a chance to connect.
✅ Skip the “I love to laugh” line. So does everyone. You've seen all the cliches. Say something different.
✅ Don’t say you’re adventurous and post zero pics that prove it. Show more than tell.
✅ Proofread. Effort counts.
✅ Don't say too much, most people don't read much. Also, you want to leave some mystery so you can't be easily manipulated.
Dating Coach Take: How to Make Your Profile Copy Stand Out
Here’s a common mistake I see all the time: A woman with high standards who wants similar values and a deeper connection, but her profile reads like a job application.
This is your chance to show off your sparkle! Instead of “I enjoy walks on the beach,” try: “My ideal Sunday includes a hike, a good guy who gets my jokes, and a glass of wine while we rewatch Game of Thrones.”
You need to find fun, short, interesting ways of describing who you are and how you think. You also need a "hook" like "ask me about my favorite vacation spot," or "ask me the silliest thing my dog ever did." Most men find it overwhelming to start conversations with someone they find attractive, so giving him that "easy way in" goes a long way to making him feel comfortable, and you seem accessible.
Don’t hire profile writers—just channel your voice, like you’re talking to a friend, and feel comfortable. And for the love of love, do not let AI write your profile. You want the right people, not bots, you dig?
Your Profile Photos Matter Most—Stop Posting These "Worst Mistakes"
Great profile pictures are not optional. They’re the first place a man looks, and they speak volumes. So let’s talk about what’s working against you:
✅ Bathroom selfies (major turnoff)
✅ Fish pics (men) or vacation shots with friends or exes cropped out
✅ Pictures of you in covered head to toe, or hat and sunglasses--what are you hiding?
Want online dating success? Get someone else to take photos. Use natural light (golden hour is best) and yes, you need at least one full-body shot.
This is about honesty and trust—if you’re hoping to attract a long-term relationship, don’t start with a bait and switch.
Should You Post Old Photos? A Good Idea or a Setup for Disappointment?
Let’s keep it real: We’ve all been tempted to post that one great picture from a little bit ago. But ask yourself this—if you showed up to a first date looking like you do today, would they recognize you from that profile pic?
The goal isn’t to catfish your future husband. The goal is to attract the right guy—someone who likes you as you are. If you have trust issues, you know how important it is not to start with a lie, even a visual one.
The #1 Dating App Profile Mistake That Sends Quality Men Running
You may think you’re helping by listing what you don’t want: “No liars, no drama, no games.”
But what nice guys read is: “This woman has a negative attitude and a relationship history she hasn’t worked through.”
Remember, your profile isn't a therapist’s couch. You don’t need to share your entire relationship history to show you’re open. You need to be careful that you are writing for the gender you seek to attract. Men usually prefer minimal drama, clear concision, and clarity about how to "win with you." That's why negativity is such a turn-off.
A woman might actually love a good backstory complete with emotional drama--but if you're a woman, save that for your bestie.
You attract what you reflect.
So leave out these subtle red flags:
✅ Selfies from awkward angles
✅ Poor lighting that makes you look like you live in a cave
✅ Too much information about past trauma
Bottom line: it's okay if you have some negative thoughts, just write them as something positive:
Instead of “no players,” try “Looking for a man who knows what he wants and wants to build something lasting.”
It’s about energy—and listing your dealbreakers is a red flag, not a filter.
Want to make sure your profile is reflecting the best of you?
Ask 3 friends of the gender you are trying to attract what your profiles communicate about your personality. Ask them for 3 adjectives they "get" from looking at your profile. Do the words and pictures convey the adjectives you want describing you?
For example, if you want to convey "open, forthright, kind," make sure the lighting, angles, and copy match that.
Authentic or Oversharing? The Right Balance for an Online Dating Profile
This might be the most misunderstood area of dating profiles: how much to share.
Yes, be honest. No, don’t give a full rundown of your past relationships. This is still a first impression—it’s marketing, not memoir. As you recall, people won't read. Also, text cannot convey tone, so leave nuanced concepts for voice-to-voice conversations.
Profiles are important for a few key reasons:
✅ to establish basic attraction
✅ to rule out people with obvious dealbreakers
✅ to determine some basic compatibility in regards to location, careers, education, habits, and goals
✅ to give you a launching point to test out your text, then voice-to-voice banter
Deeper concepts that go beyond what I listed above belong in a video chat or a first or second date.
Full disclosure regarding marital status, age, and height also belongs in a video chat. If you lied to trick the algorithm (say, about your age), be prepared to clear it up quickly once you’re actually talking.
Do Men and Women Misrepresent Themselves Differently? Yes—and Here’s How
This may not shock you: Men are more likely to fudge their height, income, marital status, location, or career on a dating app profile. Women? More likely to shave a few years off or post old photos. Societal conditioning tells us "we need" to do these things to be given a chance by the people we're hoping to date.
Regardless, lying is never a good idea. The best thing you can do is lead by example—especially if you want a guy who values core values over fantasy. And if you lied, come clean quickly.
Flirty, Fun, and Still Classy: How to Avoid Sounding Desperate or Dull
Women often ask how to keep their profile light without sounding like they’re only after a good time. Here’s the key:
Mention things that make life fun, like “I love dance nights, road trips, and witty banter.” But then, drop a hint that you’re also serious: “I'm ready for something real and lasting.”
Sexual references? Big mistake. That includes pics that emphasize your cleavage, or rear end or just show too much skin. They’ll attract the wrong kind of attention (if you're looking for long-term committed and want to wait for sex) and sabotage your chances of meeting a great guy who's also looking for commitment and willing to wait.
Prefer watching me talk about this? Here's an awesome 18-minute video about the worst profile mistakes both genders make.
Wondering about the best dating sites for mature daters, read here.
As you can tell, I am leaving no stone unturned to make you a happy, successful dater! I'm here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions about Common Mistakes on Dating Profiles
What are some quick conversation starters I can add to my profile?
Mention something you love—like a TV show, hobby, or travel destination—and ask, “What’s your favorite?” Questions create a connection and make it easier for potential matches to reach out.
Should I mention my relationship history or divorce?
Only briefly and positively. “Divorced and wiser” is plenty. Save the full story for a deeper, real-life conversation or second date.
How do I avoid dating fatigue when I feel burned out by the dating pool?
Take breaks when needed, but don’t disappear. Update your photos, refresh your bio, and try a different dating site to meet quality men in new circles.
What if I keep swiping past nice guys because I don’t feel instant chemistry?
Chemistry can grow. If you’re being too picky based on one photo or a typo, you might be missing out on a great guy who’s just not a writer. Give some good guys a second look.
Is hiring one of those profile writers worth it?
Honestly? Not usually. A real-world connection starts with your own profile being authentic. It’s okay to get feedback from a friend or dating coach, but don’t outsource your personality.