Maya had been on dating apps for months with barely a nibble. Her profile was technically fine, a simple bio, a few selfies but nothing stood out. One day, a friend sat her down and gave honest feedback: Maya’s profile did not show who she really was. Together, they revamped it with brighter photos of Maya doing things she loved and a bio that highlighted her warm personality and love of listening to others.Amazingly, the change worked. Messages started rolling in from people who appreciated Maya’s authenticity. What made the difference? First, they updated her pictures to be clear, recent, and genuine. (No more five-year-old glam shots!) Research shows that using current, realistic photos pays off in one study of couples who met online, nearly all said their partner looked as good as or better than expected. In her bio, Maya shifted the focus from a shopping list of what she wanted to what she offers as a partner. Highlighting her caring and supportive nature made her profile shine, which is not just a guess. Profiles that express a desire for deeper emotional connection and a supportive attitude are rated significantly more attractive.Profile Tips:Choose Recent, Quality Photos: Include a mix of pictures that show your smile and interests. Avoid overly filtered or old images so there are no surprises when you meet in person.Show Who You Are: Let your personality and values come through in your bio. Mention activities you enjoy and traits that make you a good friend or partner (e.g. “friends say I am a great listener”).Stay Positive: Write about what you love and look forward to, rather than listing negatives or deal breakers. An upbeat profile attracts people who are excited to meet you.Call to Action: Ready to refresh your profile? Take a page from Maya’s story update your photos to the real you and add a personal touch to your bio. By showcasing your authentic self, you will attract matches who appreciate you for who you truly are.Sources: psychologytoday.com