Writing a dating profile after a divorce can feel strange. You might not have described yourself as a single person for twenty or thirty years. You may be unsure whether to mention the divorce at all, how to sound positive without seeming to gloss over a big life change, and how to avoid sounding bitter, even if you still feel it sometimes. And you want to come across as someone who’s moved on and ready, not someone still carrying the weight of the last relationship.
This guide gives example dating profiles for people dating after divorce, written for different ages, situations and kinds of relationship, with notes on why each works. It also covers how to mention your divorce, choosing photos, headline and prompt ideas, before-and-after rewrites, and the mistakes that most often put people off. All of the examples are written by us to show different approaches. They aren’t real people’s profiles, and they’re meant to be adapted, not copied.
The short answer
- You don't have to mention your divorce in your profile. If you do, a short, positive or neutral line works best.
- Your profile should be about who you are now and what you're looking for, not about your ex or your marriage.
- Anything that sounds bitter, such as "no drama" or "no liars", tends to put people off, even if you understand why someone would write it.
- If you have children, mention them briefly. Many people want to know, and it helps attract people who are comfortable with it.
- Use recent photos of you on your own. Avoid cropped wedding or family photos.
- Specific details about your interests make your profile much easier to reply to.
Before you start
Writing your first profile after divorce can bring up mixed feelings. It may help to:
- Draft it somewhere private first, rather than straight into an app
- Write it on a good day, when you’re feeling positive rather than low or angry
- Ask a friend you trust to read it and tell you honestly how it comes across
- Remember you can change it at any time
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to date, our guides to how long to wait to date after a separation and how to start dating again after divorce may help.
How to mention your divorce
| Approach | Example | Works well if |
|---|---|---|
| A brief, positive mention | “Divorced a few years ago, and enjoying the next chapter.” | You want to be open from the start |
| Just your status | Select “divorced” in the app’s settings | You’d rather explain in conversation |
| A gentle hint | “Starting a new chapter, and loving it.” | You don’t want to use the word “divorced” |
| Not mentioning it | Leave it out, and mention it when it comes up | You prefer to share personal history in person |
Whichever you choose, keep it short. Our guide to what to say on your dating profile after divorce or bereavement explores this in more depth.
Choosing photos
- Use recent photos, ideally from the last year or two
- Start with a clear, smiling photo of your face
- Show something you enjoy, such as walking, cooking, travel or a hobby
- Avoid cropped photos from weddings, family events or holidays with your ex. They’re often easy to spot
- Ask a friend to take some new photos, which can be a good step forward in itself
Our guide to dating profile photos after 50 has more on what works.
Example profiles after divorce
1. Divorced in her forties, with children
“Divorced, mum of two brilliant (and noisy) teenagers, and finally learning what I enjoy on my weekends off. I’m a physiotherapist, so I’m good at listening and bad at sitting still. I love open-water swimming, Sunday markets and anything involving good food. Looking for someone kind, funny and settled in themselves, who understands that my kids come first, but would love to share the rest.”
Why it works: It’s honest about her situation and priorities, and full of specific details that are easy to reply to.
2. Divorced in his fifties, ready for a relationship
“Divorced a few years ago and in a good place. I’m an engineer by day and a terrible but enthusiastic golfer at weekends. I’ve recently taken up cooking properly, and my Thai green curry is getting rave reviews. Looking for a warm, down-to-earth woman who enjoys laughter, conversation and the odd adventure.”
Why it works: It mentions the divorce briefly and positively, then moves straight on to personality and interests.
3. After a long marriage
“After 28 years of marriage, I’m single again, and surprised by how much I’m enjoying it. I’ve joined a choir, booked a trip to Lisbon and learned that I quite like my own company. I’d love to meet someone to share some of these adventures with. Kindness, curiosity and a sense of humour matter most.”
Why it works: It acknowledges a big change while showing a full, positive life. Our guide to dating again after a long marriage may help too.
4. Divorced in his sixties
“Divorced, 63, and enjoying semi-retirement. I spend my time walking the dog, restoring old furniture and visiting my grandchildren. I’m calm, practical and still optimistic. I’d like to meet someone for days out, good food and conversation, and see where it leads.”
Why it works: It’s clear, warm and specific about his life now.
5. On good terms with her ex
“Divorced and on good terms with my ex, which makes life with our daughter much easier. I work in publishing, read far too much and love a long walk followed by a pub lunch. Looking for someone emotionally mature, with their own life and interests, who’s ready for something real.”
Why it works: It reassures people that she’s moved on, and that co-parenting is calm. Our guide to dating after an amicable divorce explores this situation.
6. After a difficult divorce
“The last few years have taught me a lot, mainly about what really matters: good friends, kindness and not taking life too seriously. I love hiking, live music and trying new restaurants. Looking for someone honest and easy-going, to share good times with.”
Why it works: It hints at a hard time without dwelling on it, and focuses on positives. Our guide to dating after a bitter divorce may help if the divorce still feels raw.
7. Wants to live apart together
“Divorced, independent and happy in my own home. I’m looking for someone to share weekends, holidays and dinners with, but I’m not looking to move in together. I love the coast, gardening, theatre and a good glass of wine. If you have your own life and would like someone to share bits of it with, let’s chat.”
Why it works: It’s clear about what she wants, which helps attract people who want the same. Our guide to living apart together after 50 explores this.
8. Divorced dad with young children
“Divorced dad of two, aged 8 and 11, who keep me very busy between football, homework and endless snacks. I’m a teacher, a keen cyclist and a better cook than my kids give me credit for. I’d like to meet someone kind and patient, ideally who understands family life, for good conversation and fun when I’m child-free.”
Why it works: It’s honest about his commitments, so people know what to expect.
9. Divorced twice
“I’ve been married twice, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. These days I know what matters to me: honesty, laughter and being treated as an equal. I’m a nurse, a keen gardener and a fan of long walks with my dog. Looking for someone settled, kind and ready for something lasting.”
Why it works: It’s honest without over-explaining, and shows self-awareness. Our guide to dating after a second divorce covers this in more depth.
10. Humorous
“Recently divorced, now in sole charge of the TV remote and the thermostat. I love walking, quizzes, cooking badly and laughing at my own jokes. Looking for someone with a sense of humour, who won’t judge my ironing.”
Why it works: Light humour shows confidence and warmth. Our guide to short and funny dating profile examples has more.
11. Not a natural writer
“Not much of a writer, so I’ll keep it short. Divorced, 57, two grown-up kids. I like walking, football and a pint with friends. I’m told I’m a good listener and handy with DIY. Looking for someone kind for days out and good company.”
Why it works: It’s honest, friendly and specific, which matters more than polished writing.
12. Looking for something casual for now
“Divorced last year and not looking for anything serious just yet. I’d love to meet someone for dinners, gigs and good conversation, and see how things go. I’m outgoing, curious and always up for trying somewhere new.”
Why it works: It’s honest about what she wants, which is fairer to everyone. Our guide to whether someone wants a relationship or something casual may help when reading other profiles.
13. Divorced in her seventies
“Divorced at 70, which surprised everyone, including me. Now 73, I’ve never felt more like myself. I volunteer at the local hospice shop, swim three mornings a week and I’m learning Spanish, slowly. I’d love to meet a kind, interesting man for lunches, outings and good conversation. No rush.”
Why it works: It’s warm, confident and specific, and “no rush” sets a relaxed tone. Our guide to dating at 70 may help.
14. Divorced and dating women for the first time
“After my divorce, I finally admitted something I’d known for a long time. I’m new to dating women, so be patient with me. I love cycling, cooking for friends and old films. Looking for someone warm and down to earth, for friendship first and maybe more.”
Why it works: It’s honest and open without over-explaining. Our guide to lesbian dating after 50 covers coming out later in life.
15. Divorced, with caring responsibilities
“Divorced, and part-time carer for my dad, so my diary isn’t always my own. When I do get free time, I love a long walk, a good curry and a live gig. Looking for someone understanding and easy-going, who doesn’t mind the odd rearranged date.”
Why it works: It explains a practical limit honestly, which saves frustration later.
Choosing your profile settings
Most apps ask you to fill in details such as relationship status, children and what you’re looking for. A few tips:
- Relationship status: “divorced” or “separated” is usually clearest. If you’re still separated rather than divorced, saying so avoids surprises
- Children: say whether you have children and whether they live with you
- Looking for: be as honest as you can. If you’re not sure, choose the broadest option and explain in your bio
- Age range and distance: start a bit wider than feels natural. Our guide to dating app filters after 50 explains how filters work
Headline and opening-line ideas
- “Divorced, positive and ready for a new chapter”
- “Enjoying life, looking for someone to share it with”
- “Starting again, with a smile”
- “Kind, curious and up for an adventure”
- “Life’s too short for bad coffee and dull conversation”
- “Coffee, a walk and a chat?”
Example prompt answers
“I’m looking for” “Someone kind, settled in themselves, and up for both quiet nights in and spontaneous days out.”
“A life goal of mine” “To finally walk the whole of Hadrian’s Wall. I’ve done a third so far.”
“My simple pleasures” “Fresh coffee, a sunny bench, a good book and a dog that wants a fuss.”
“Something you should know about me” “I’m divorced and on good terms with my ex. My kids are my world, but I’ve got plenty of room for someone new.”
“The way to win me over” “Make me laugh, and suggest somewhere I’ve never been.”
Before and after: rewriting a profile
Before: “Recently divorced after my wife cheated on me. Looking for someone honest who won’t play games. No drama, no liars.”
After: “Divorced last year and ready for a fresh start. I love walking, cooking and live music. Honesty and kindness matter a lot to me. Looking for someone who enjoys good conversation and the occasional adventure.”
Why the rewrite works: The first version is understandable, but it puts the focus on the ex and sounds defensive. The second keeps the values and shows who he is now.
Before: “Not sure what I’m doing here. My friends made me do this. Divorced after 25 years. Don’t really know what I want.”
After: “After 25 years of marriage, I’m trying something new, and a bit nervous about it. I love gardening, theatre and long lunches. Looking for someone kind to share good company and conversation.”
Why the rewrite works: It’s still honest about being new to dating, but sounds warmer and more inviting.
What to avoid
- Mentioning your ex, beyond a brief, neutral line
- Lists of what you don’t want, such as “no drama”, “no players” or “no time-wasters”
- Sounding bitter or cynical, even jokingly
- Old photos, or cropped photos from your marriage
- Too much detail about your divorce, finances or legal situation
- Personal information such as your full name, address or children’s school
Our guide to what never to put in a dating profile has more.
Updating your profile over time
What you want to say may change as you get used to dating again. It’s worth revisiting your profile every month or two to add new photos, update what you’re looking for, and mention new interests. Small changes also give people who’ve already seen you something new to notice.
Writing your own
A simple structure:
- A line about your situation, if you’d like to mention it
- Two or three specific interests
- A line or two about your personality
- What you’re looking for
- An easy invitation, such as “Fancy a coffee?”
Our Profile Builder can help you put it together, and our guides to how to write a dating profile after 50, dating profile examples for women over 50 and men over 50 have more examples.
Frequently asked questions
Should I say I’m divorced on my dating profile?
It’s your choice. A brief, positive mention often helps, as it avoids surprises. Some people prefer to mention it in conversation.
How much should I say about my divorce?
Very little. A single line is enough. You can share more as you get to know someone.
Should I mention my children?
If you have children, a brief mention usually helps. Many people want to know, and it attracts people comfortable with family life.
What photos should I use after divorce?
Recent photos of you on your own, including a clear smiling face photo. Avoid cropped photos from your marriage.
How do I avoid sounding bitter?
Focus on what you enjoy and what you’re looking for, rather than what went wrong or what you don’t want.
What if I’m not sure what I’m looking for?
That’s fine. You can say you’re open to seeing where things go, and update your profile later.
Related guides
- What to say on your dating profile after divorce or bereavement
- How to start dating again after divorce at 50
- Dating profile examples for women over 50
- Dating profile examples for men over 50
- What never to put in a dating profile
- Should you talk about your divorce on the first date?
Sources
- Hearts Again editorial guidance on dating profiles; all example profiles are written by Hearts Again and are not real people’s profiles.