Many people searching for a partner question whether dating apps can lead to a real relationship. Yet experience shows that even when someone seems to be focused on a single goal, it’s possible to meet a person with whom a lasting bond can grow. Listening to psychologist and dating coach guidance often helps navigate this terrain more effectively.
“Always speak the truth in your profile. If marriage is your goal, say so clearly. Be concise and direct, without overthinking,” says relationship coach Marina Zolotova.
She notes that success hinges on how well a person understands their own desires. Yet professional matchmaker Anastasia Yevseychuk warns that such honesty has pros and cons: it can attract the right audience, but it may also accelerate the move toward a serious commitment, skipping the casual dating phase.
To move smoothly through all stages of dating toward a meaningful relationship, it helps to start at the basics: a strong profile photo and a well-crafted bio. “A dating profile is evaluated on four points—photo, the user’s name, age, and the content in the About Me section. Aim for three attractive photos that reveal personality without disclosing everything,” explains Anastasia Yevseychuk.
Marketing leaders in dating platforms stress quality over quantity. Olga Morozova, marketing director of a major dating site, advises selecting four to six high-quality images that convey lifestyle as well as appearance.
“A balanced mix works best—solo shots, a full-length photo, and photos that show hobbies like travel, sports, or cooking,” she adds. Analysts note that some photos tend to be less liked: pictures showing smoking for women and photos lacking a smile for men often fall short of expectations.
CEO Anna Grishacheva of a popular matchmaking platform suggests paying attention to optional fields in the bio. “Sometimes a few well-chosen statements in the About Me section reveal more about a person than the photos, potentially catching the eye of the right match,” she notes.
However, honesty does not always yield results. Elena Bolgasova, a dating site user, found that a profile marked for serious relationships did not lead to a partner until she removed that designation. “I went to the meeting feeling uneasy, but I believed in trying. The first date led to a decision to pursue marriage,” she shares.
A compelling profile description can be a key to a successful connection, yet even with this approach it is important to steer the focus carefully.
Matchmakers emphasize that both men and women tend to highlight certain traits in their notes and photos. “People post about themselves in the bio and photos; this is what others may come to expect,” explains Yevseychuk. “If a man touts possessions like cars or apartments, there is often a hidden nuance—perhaps the claim isn’t fully accurate.”
Statements such as “I am looking for a generous man” or “attentive, caring” can be red flags, and are sometimes associated with escort dating contexts, according to the experts.
The gender balance on dating sites typically skews toward men being more active in liking profiles, while women tend to be more selective. This dynamic can create a sense of high demand and misperception among women, which some people misinterpret as universal interest. “This can lead to a rush of messages and multiple options, making it hard to choose,” notes Anastasia Evseychuk, reflecting on common experiences across North American dating communities.
Relationship coaches advise sticking to three core rules to avoid missteps: acknowledge that the process may take time, be clear about goals, and stay aligned with those goals without wavering.