Should my profile show my authentic self or my best self?

Authentic best self. Show who you are when you're thriving, not your worst moments. An introvert should be honest about introversion, but show it attractively: "I'm thoughtful and prefer deep conversations over small talk." Be truthful, not off-putting.

What should I include in my profile?

Values (what matters to you), personality (how would friends describe you?), life stage (what are you looking for right now?), deal-breakers (what can't you compromise on?), and humor (show personality through wit, not trying too hard). Avoid clichés like "I love traveling and tacos." Everyone does.

Should I mention what I'm looking for?

Absolutely. "Looking for something serious and long-term" vs. "Not sure what I want yet" attracts different people. Clarity about your intentions filters for aligned partners. Someone serious won't match with someone casually exploring. That alignment saves everyone time.