Have you ever been catfished by someone on a dating app? You know, when they look totally different from their profile photos in real life? It sucks, right? Well, you’re not the only one who’s been fooled by a fake profile. A lot of people use tricks and techniques to make themselves look better on their dating apps. But why do they do that? And how can you spot them before you waste your time and energy on them? Here are some of the most common ways people lie on their dating apps and how to deal with them.
They use old photos
Some people are stuck in the past and use photos of themselves from years ago, when they were younger, thinner, or more attractive. Maybe they’ve gained weight, lost hair, or had some work done since then. Whatever the reason, using old photos is a big no-no. It’s dishonest and unfair to the people who swipe right on them. How can you tell if someone is using old photos? Look for clues in their background, such as outdated fashion, technology, or landmarks. Or ask them when the photo was taken and see if they tell the truth. For example, I once matched with a guy who looked like a handsome model on his profile. He had long blond hair, blue eyes, and a fit body. He said his photos were from last year, but when I met him in person, he looked nothing like that. He had short brown hair, green eyes, and a beer belly. He admitted that he used photos of his cousin because he thought he was too ugly to get any matches. I felt betrayed and angry, and I left him right away.
They’re Hiding Behind a Mask
Filters are fun and can make anyone look like a supermodel. But they can also be deceiving. Some people use filters to change their skin tone, eye color, or facial features. They may look flawless on their dating app, but in person they look nothing like that. How can you tell if someone is using filters? Look for signs of distortion, blurring, or unnatural colors in their photos. Or compare their photos to their social media profiles and see if they match. For example, I once matched with a girl who looked like a gorgeous Latina on her profile. She had tan skin, dark eyes, and full lips. She said she was from Colombia, but when I met her in person, she looked nothing like that. She had pale skin, light eyes, and thin lips. She admitted that she used filters to make herself look more exotic because she thought it would attract more guys. I felt lied to and disappointed, and I never saw her again.
They’re Playing with Perspective
Angles are everything when it comes to taking a good photo. Some people know how to use angles to their advantage and make themselves look thinner, taller, or more muscular. They may tilt their head, hold their camera high, or pose in a certain way to hide their flaws and highlight their assets. But angles can also be misleading. They may not show the whole picture of what someone looks like. How can you tell if someone is using angles? Look for inconsistencies in their photos, such as different body shapes, sizes, or proportions. Or ask them to send you a full-body photo or a video call and see if they look the same. For example, I once matched with a guy who looked like a hunky athlete on his profile. He had broad shoulders, big arms, and a six-pack abs. He said he was a personal trainer, but when I met him in person, he looked nothing like that. He had narrow shoulders, skinny arms, and a flabby stomach. He admitted that he used angles to make himself look more muscular because he thought it would impress more girls. I felt cheated and disgusted, and I blocked him right away.
They don’t show their full bodies
Some people are shy or insecure about their bodies and only show their faces or upper bodies on their dating apps. They may crop out their lower half, wear baggy clothes, or use props to cover themselves up. They may hope that their personality or charm will make up for their lack of physical attraction. But they may also be hiding something that they don’t want you to see. How can you tell if someone is not showing their full body? Look for missing or cut-off body parts in their photos, such as legs, arms, or feet. Or ask them why they don’t show their full body and see how they respond. For example,I once matched with a guy who only showed his upper body on his profile. He had a handsome face, a nice beard, and a cool tattoo. He said he was a musician and he played the guitar. I thought he was cool and I wanted to meet him. But when I met him in person, he looked nothing like that. He had no legs, only prosthetic limbs. He admitted that he lost his legs in a car accident and he didn’t show his full body because he thought it would scare people away. I felt shocked and sad, but I also felt misled, and I didn’t know how to react.
How to Avoid Being Catfished and Find a Genuine Connection
So what can you do if you encounter someone who lies on their dating app? Here are some tips for avoiding disappointment and finding a genuine connection:
- Ask for recent photos. If you’re interested in someone and want to see what they really look like, ask them to send you some recent photos of themselves. Preferably ones that show their full body and face without any filters or angles. This will help you get a more realistic impression of them and avoid any surprises when you meet them in person.
- Set realistic expectations. Don’t fall for the fantasy of someone’s profile photos. Remember that people are often trying to impress others on dating apps and may not look exactly like their photos in real life. Be prepared for some differences and don’t judge them too harshly based on their looks alone.
- Be open-minded. Don’t let looks be the only factor that determines your attraction to someone. Get to know them as a person and see if you have anything in common with them. Give them a chance to show you who they are beyond their profile photos and see if you feel a connection with them.
Dating apps can be fun and exciting, but they can also be tricky and frustrating. Don’t let yourself be fooled by fake profiles and liars who only want to waste your time or hurt your feelings. Be smart, be safe, and be yourself on your dating app journey. And who knows? You might just find your perfect match.
