Women in profile photos?

Another often-repeated bit of advice is to avoid putting women in your online photos.

In it's original context, it does make some sense. When people put up profile photos that include an ex-girlfriend (or with a woman who has obviously been cut out), people will wonder if you've spent enough time away from her. Or if you're trying to cheat on her.

Obviously, that should be avoided.

Another type of photo that most sources advise against are photos in which you're publicly displaying affection. This advice has become more interesting, especially as many folks in the pick-up artist community are actually suggesting that people do this.

Well, it might be okay for folks that are deep in the pickup artist community. They're not looking for serious relationships. Their profiles consistently point out that they're into online dating for fun and thrills. The personality that they convey in their profile and communications will consistently fit the "playboy" image.

Some women (especially on eHarmony) will not be interested in playboys. And they'll close communication quickly. But that's fine for the dedicated pickup artist, who probably would not want to be with someone who wasn't interested in casual relationships.

So, if you're a consistent fun, playboy-type... Fine. You can get away with those pictures of the times that you're partying and making out with attractive women. But, if you're not, I don't recommend trying this. Because most women (of any stripe) will avoid you if you show any hint of inconsistency in this regard.

Okay, so loving pictures of you and your ex are out. And public displays of affection are a bad idea for most guys.

Should you cut women out of your photos completely?

In my experience, the answer is, "No."

If you're in groups that include women, group photos can work just fine.

And pictures of social occasions that include women in the background, in my experience, have improved my results.

They demonstrate that I'm not on eHarmony because of desperation.

It demonstrates that I meet lots of women. And that I'm on eHarmony because I'm trying to find someone that's right for me.