The Story Begins
I remember his profile like a scene from a romantic movie. Thoughtful eyes. A dog named Max. “Looking for a meaningful connection,” he wrote. He quoted Rumi. Said he loved red wine and Sunday mornings. It was… perfect. Too perfect.
We matched. We talked. And within a few days, the cracks appeared—small ones at first. He never answered questions directly. His stories didn’t quite add up. That gut feeling? I ignored it. For two weeks, I wanted to believe he was who he said he was.
Spoiler: he wasn’t.
This isn’t a horror story. It’s a common one. But it doesn’t have to be yours.
Let’s talk about how to read between the lines of online profiles—and trust the wisdom you already have.
Too Good to Be True Usually Is
When a profile feels like it’s been written by a screenwriter rather than a real person, pause. Charm is great, but depth is what matters.
Look for signs of effort, not perfection. A real person will have quirks. Maybe a blurry dog photo. Maybe a slightly cheesy joke. If everything feels curated like a magazine spread, he might be performing.
Pay Attention to How They Communicate, Not Just What They Say
Words are easy. Consistency is harder.
Do they ask questions about you? Do their replies feel thoughtful, or like copy-paste responses they send to everyone? When someone’s interested, it shows in the way they listen—not just in how they talk.
Trust the Small Red Flags Early
If they avoid video calls, only message at odd hours, or their stories change every time—you’re not imagining it. These are signals.
You don’t need proof to protect your peace. You don’t owe anyone your benefit of the doubt if your gut says something is off.
Don’t Confuse Attention with Intention
Some people want connection. Others want distraction. They might send heart emojis and flirty texts, but dodge any real plans.
If he’s always “busy,” vague about meeting up, or keeps promising “soon”—believe the pattern, not the words.
You Deserve the Real Thing
Online dating is full of possibilities—but the most powerful filter you have is your own intuition. You deserve more than someone who plays the role of your dream guy.
You deserve someone who shows up with clarity, with curiosity, and with truth—even if it’s imperfect.
So next time you’re scrolling through profiles, ask yourself: Does this feel real? Do I feel safe and seen talking to this person?
And if the answer is “no”—swipe on with your head high. The right one won’t make you guess.
