8 best dating app profile prompts for singles over 40 that aren't about age — and biggest mistakes to avoid

Yahoo

a day ago

Writing a dating profile in your 40s (and beyond) is a little different than writing one in your 20s and 30s. For starters, regardless of if you're on Raya, Facebook Dating, Hinge, Bumble or something else, you've lived, loved, maybe divorced, maybe raised kids — and you don't want to waste time. But that doesn't mean your dating app prompts need to focus on age. In fact, dating coach Andrea McGinty, founder of 33000Dates.com, says ditching the age talk, and instead leaning into your full life, is how you stand out.
'People over 40 like prompts that somehow show their value thus far to society, what they are looking for in a second act, and typically a big emphasis is placed on prompts illustrating what they do in their free time,' she says. That's not to say you should hide your age, says McGinty who encourages honesty. 'Be proud of your age and how good you look for your age.'
But that doesn't mean turning every prompt into a reflection on retirement, what decade you're in or your past relationships.
'No need to go into a rant on a prompt about trust and how your wife cheated on you after 25 years of marriage — it's too much information and too negative," McGinty advises.
Instead, trust that your age comes through in context. The real goal? Show who you are now and what excites you, and not just what you've lived through.
Below, McGinty outlines the best dating app prompts for over-40 singles in Canada.
According to McGinty, the best prompts for people 40+ reflect these themes:
What you care about (volunteering, passions, values)
Your second act — where you're going, not just where you've been
How you spend your free time
Bucket list dreams ('Yes, we start saying 'bucket list' at 40, not 60!" says McGinty.)
Trips you've loved, especially intentional ones, says McGinty, like safaris with your teenagers or wellness retreats with your friends
'By 50, people aren't looking to go back to grad school,' she says. 'They're asking, 'How do I spend my time now that I have the freedom?' Prompts should reflect that evolution.'
They're asking, 'How do I spend my time now that I have the freedom?' Prompts should reflect that evolution.Andrea McGinty, dating coach
McGinty says the best prompts are the ones that show your personality, creativity and openness without sounding like a resumé or a therapy session.
Here are a few standouts she recommends:
'The last thing I wrote in my phone notes was…'
'A shower thought I recently had…'
'My favourite places to travel are…'
'I'll buy the drinks if you tell me the two best pizza places in town.': McGinty loves this one because it 'encourages engagement' and gets people to message back.
'A little known fact about me is…': This is a real answer and people think they are getting the inside scoop on you,' she says.
'My friends ask me for advice about…': McGinty says this is a good window into what a person is an 'expert' on or what friends depend on them for — and can add to profile credibility.
'A typical Sunday for me looks like…': A fun glimpse into your downtime.
'What I'd like to change about the world…': 'This one shows that you think of something other than just yourself,' she says.
And if a site's prompts feel too stiff for you, she suggests you don't have to answer them literally. 'Think like a politician — toss something fun in and show off your unique self.'
According to McGinty, the most common (and avoidable) mistakes she sees from 40+ daters:
Being too formal or long-winded: 'No one reads a novella.'
Making lists: "10 traits I want in a partner' is overkill,' she says. 'Stick to two to three qualities max.'
Writing nothing at all: 'This shows you're not serious," McGinty warns.
Sounding too serious: 'Saying that you're 'looking for marriage' upfront is truthful but can hurt your response rate," she cautions. Instead you might want to say you're looking for a long-term relationship and save the marriage talk for an actual date.
Using generic words: A reminder that describing yourself or a potential partner as 'fun, nice, or with sense of humour' says nothing.
Bragging or sounding out of touch – While it's great to showcase your strengths and accomplishments, bragging is 'not a good look," says McGinty.
Trying too hard to sound smart: 'It reads like you used a thesaurus or AI," she says.
Being negative or desperate: Especially phrases like 'I can't believe I'm doing this. I always thought online dating was for losers."
No date on your profile: McGinty recommends putting something like 'Updated June 2025' at the top of your profile. 'This way it feels current and not like you wrote it five years ago.'
Before you hit 'publish' on your dating profile, McGinty suggests testing out your prompts by sending them out to three of your closest friends. 'Ask for five adjectives that describe you and use their words in your profile," she says.
She also recommends getting feedback on your profile. 'Ask someone to read your profile and ask: 'Would you date me based on this?'' And be prepared to adjust according to their response.
Above all, McGinty says the best dating prompts for over-40 singles are the ones that sound like you. 'Show that you've lived, and you're still curious, engaged and open. Keep your profile short, sweet and never a hint of negativity or desperation," she says. "Show that you're already enjoying your life, and you'd love to share it.'