I suspect that this will be a recurring series, much like H’s new feature, “JDate Email of the Day.” Which was upgraded from “JDate Email of the Week.” Which was upgraded from “JDate Email of the Month.” There’s just so much material there…

In the past month or so on JDate, I have noticed some trends in profile contents that I’d like to share. Maybe you can help corroborate my observations, explain them, expound upon them or otherwise proffer an opinion.

This is the first in this series.

“I’m a very laid-back guy” /”I’m very easy-going”
I don’t know what it is, but all of a sudden, all guys seem to have the term “laid-back” as self-descriptors in the first sentence of their profiles. I’m not saying it’s good or bad. I’m saying I don’t get it.

What qualities does the “laid-back” guy possess? That he’s “casual” or “easygoing”? Is the opposite “tightly wound” (in which case “laid-back” would be a good thing) or lazy (which would be bad)? Does he mean that nothing rattles him? That his apathy or indifference is boundless? That he never has an opinion about anything? How can anyone be completely “laid-back,” in an era where the current cover of New York Magazine exhorts: “TERROR: WHY HAVEN’T WE BEEN HIT AGAIN?” (subtitle: “Reasons to Feel Safe…And Scared”)

I just keep seeing this phrase, over and over again. And it’s always in the intro sentence. That actually grates on me more than anything else about the phrase…that the first thing they want you to know about them is that they’re easy-going or laid-back. Which, as we’ve already covered, I don’t find to be all that descriptive.

I know. I’m a little nutso when it comes to language. I don’t have to date Strunk and White. (Oh, the bad English major references.) Or William Safire, for that matter. I just believe that whoever is out there for me can make a compelling case for himself in writing. I’m even willing to relax about his spelling. But your profile is your opportunity to impress the people in your dating pool–why not take that chance? Use your words, boys.