Online profile dating cliches decoded
The internet has opened up the dating game to millions who don't enjoy walking up to strangers and saying "d'you come here often?".
Making sense of online dating cliches and jargon is about far more than just knowing what GSOH stands for. A person reveals a lot about themselves with the cliches they use. Here's a quick guide to reading between the lines.
Chart-topping cliches
Spend 10 minutes browsing the profiles, and you're likely to bump into more than a few of these chart-topping cliches.
So what can you tell about a person from these cliches?
...and what they mean
They say: I can't believe I'm actually doing this.
They mean: I'm really embarrassed to be on a dating website, and a part of me will look down on you for being here too. In fact, I'm not committed to this dating thing at all. I'm also quite insecure, and I would die of shame if my friends knew I was doing this. So, how about that drink?
They say: I want my lover to be my best friend.
They mean: I watch too many chick flicks, I buy cheap birthday cards with rubbish slogans in them, and I don't have enough friends.
They say: I'm not looking for any type in particular.
They mean: I am an easy lay.
They say: I love long walks and watching the sun go down.
They mean: I have no imagination.
They say: I'm searching for my soulmate.
They mean: I am your future stalker. If you reject me, I will never let you forget it. (OK, maybe it doesn't mean this. But it does hint at emotional neediness.)
They say: I love life.
They mean: I can't think of anything else to write.
They say: No liars or game players!
They mean: I am embittered by a string of unlucky relationships that have left me needy and insecure.
They say: I love spending time with friends.
They mean:I don't have many friends. Will you be my friend?
OR: My life is one long stag/hen party. Please go out with me so I've got someone to hold back my hair when I puke.
They say: I'm looking for someone with a great sense of humour.
They mean: I don't really know what I want. But everyone mentions great sense of humour, right?
Second-division cliches
They say: I'm a happy, friendly guy/girl.
They mean: I will laugh at all your jokes just that little bit too much, until you want to beat me around the face.
They say: Hi ladys (sic) please contact me!
They mean: I have a soul-destroying lack of wit and intelligence. Do not contact me unless you like your stalkers fresh and net-connected.
They say: I'm laid-back (see also: chilled, relaxed, easy-going).
They mean: I'm lazy. My bedroom smells of socks. If we have a relationship, you will do all the laundry. I may also have passive-aggressive tendencies.
They say: I'm really creative/funny.
They mean: I am not at all creative/funny. If I were, I'd have shown it through the way I wrote my profile.
They say: I value my independence.
They mean: I am controlling, set in my ways and hopelessly addicted to My Space. If we live on different continents, it may just work.
Avoid the cliché trap
Cliches may seem innocuous, but they're more loaded than Buffalo Bill's revolver. Which is why you should try your darndest not to use them in your own profile. Even if you think a cliche describes you perfectly, it will make your profile sound like everyone else's. And online dating is all about standing out from the crowd.
Being more specific doesn't just make you stand out - it also gives people something to mention when they get in touch. You're also more likely to attract potential dates with whom you genuinely have something in common. Good luck, and GSOH.
BTW, for those who may not know, this is a copy and paste article...
Source:
Comments (21)
Many people use no individuality or imagination in their profiles.
then maybe she will see the light...
liked the last one on judgement too
bible studys are good,
don't worry about the naysayers
real Christians have problem with this stuff!
sorry I work and get distracted a lot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3omQikQYmgY
I presume you recognize that two of the phrases you wrote above are in total opposition to each other?
"God doesn't force people to do anything, He gives them free choice,"
vs.
"what God planned has already been accomplished."
Can't both be true. If it is all preordained, then there is no choice. If there is choice, then nothing is preordained. Which one do you want to be true?
vs. "what God planned has already been accomplished." Were you by chance a Calvinist?
God preordains the beginning, the middle, and the endings of all things, He has foresight and He knows what, who, and how everyone involved is going to react and respond. Aside from that, He knows the free choices everyone will make without His forcing a choice on them, and whatever choice a person makes, His plans always accomplishes the end results of a thing.
Calmheart, what?... are you now wearing the hat of a copyright police?
And Calmheart, there is no need for you to apologize to me...its all good... maybe I misread your comment, or maybe it was the tenor or spirit it in which it was written that I perceived. "you weren't suppose",... maybe that's what got me.
Calmheart's comment: And did you know that you weren't supposed to copy and paste it without their permission?
The question sounds presumptuous to me, your comment came across as a "matter-of-fact" kind of a statement, it is not a question providing information of concern as to whether or not I knew or didn't know. Nevertheless, this is a nonessential and has nothing to do with the information in the article. All is well... some times we speak out of range when we're upset about a matter... it happens to the best of us. keep-it-moving
You and Ken have a great weekend.
Thanks for your comments.
callie
You also write how we are all sinners, does that include you? and then try to me feel I need to repent at the alter for my simple question.
Good nite.
gee ah thought I was special,
think theres one that has about
5 personalities, might have ta get sista callie
ta do a deliverance service
Thanks for sharing