You’re Not Beyoncé, Sis: Why Screaming I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T on Your Dating Profile Is Killing the Vibe

Image Credit, Ernesto Eslava

If the very first sentence of your dating profile is “I don’t need a man, I’m I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T,” then congrats, Beyoncé — we get it. You pay your own bills, drive your own car, and built your IKEA bookshelf without crying. But here’s the tea: this is a dating app, not a LinkedIn post about personal growth. You’re not accepting a Grammy — you’re trying to meet a guy who doesn’t ghost after three days of texting about sushi and trauma.

Nobody’s saying you shouldn’t be independent. Hell, if you’re not, the rent alone will humble you. But when your profile screams “I don’t need a man, I just want one to know that I don’t need him,” it’s giving… confused. Imagine a man showing up on Hinge like, “I don’t need a woman. I’m emotionally self-regulated and can cook a roast.” You’d scroll faster than your rent increased this year.

Men aren’t turned off by strong women. They’re turned off by women who write like they’re about to slap-box them during brunch. Nobody wants to date someone who acts like you’re the final boss in a Street Fighter game.

And let’s talk about energy. You’re out here saying “I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T, do you know what that means?” like it’s a threat. Yes, ma’am, we do. But if your aura says “I don’t need nobody and you better know it,” don’t be surprised when dudes swipe left like they’re dodging a subpoena. You don’t need a man? Cool. Then why are you here, Queen?

If you’re genuinely looking for connection, maybe soften the intro. Something like: “I’ve got a life I love — now I want someone to share memes and sushi with.” Boom. Still strong. Still smart. But now you sound like someone who wants a partner, not a challenger in a tag-team wrestling match.

Because at the end of the day, being independent is sexy — but dating isn’t a TED Talk on how well you’re doing without anybody. Save that for your therapist or your group chat. On your profile? Let him know you’re the whole damn meal — but you’ve got room at the table.

Unless of course you’re just there to show off. In that case, spell it one more time for the people in the back:
I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T-D-E-N-T… what are you, Beyoncé’s final form?

Relax. He’s not trying to steal your freedom. He just wants to know if you like tacos and bad puns.