Inappropriate profile Photo

[Cherie65]

Is this an appropriate profile pic?Hi Airbnb Hosts, 

 I am a 63 year and have been hosting for 5 years. This is a first! 

The profile pic seemed highly inappropriate for use as a profile photo. It doesn’t help me in identifying the guest when she arrives, it does little to assure me that she will be a responsible, mature guest. 

I messaged the guest explaining how a facial pic helps to establish trust and connectivity. I used Airbnb’s words - they describe the significance of a profile photo so well. I quipped at the end of my message ..the only way I can identify you when you arrive is to see your bellybutton, which would  make me very uncomfortable.
Her reply was “ i have no problem with you identifying me that way”.

The photo and her response is really a first for me!

I feel uncomfortable with the listing.

I need to know if I am being rational! Thanks

[Kelly149]

I’d rather see an ID. 

[Ann72]

@Cherie65  I'm 63, too, and reading this made me think of one of my favorite Nora Ephron quotes:

“Oh, how I regret not having worn a bikini for the entire year I was twenty-six. If anyone young is reading this, go, right this minute, put on a bikini, and don't take it off until you're thirty-four.”

[Cherie65]

@Ann72 that’s hilarious!

[Emilia42]

@Cherie65 @Ann72 

omg, I am the exact opposite! I look back and think 'how embarrassing!'

[Sarah977]

@Emilia42  That's just cause you're not old enough yet not to give a FF what anyone thinks about you 😁

[Emilia42]

@Sarah977 Good point 😁

[Helen350]

@Sarah977  I'm working on this..... think I might just crack it by my 60th birthday, not far off.... I commune with some women on the internet who are MOST helpful in this department..... (and the occasional man.)

[Sarah977]

@Ann72 Now that I'm old, I sometimes say that if I'd realized how cute I was when I was young, I would have made sure to have a way better time. When I think back to some of the jerky guys I stayed with far too long, with no concept that I probably could have snared any guy I wanted.....shoulda woulda coulda.

[Mark116]

@Cherie65  Yes, according to my view, this photo is inappropriate for Airbnb and this guest will probably be sub-par.  For all those people who want to know why anyone needs to see a photo in advance....here is the answer.  I know that if I had ever seen this as someone's profile I would never accept them as guests because it has trouble written all over it. 

[Cherie65]

@Mark116  you echo my thoughts!  The photo didn’t have to escalate to the cancellation of the reservation.  The guest had the option to respond in a way that  reflected  the thoughts of a person who understood and appreciated the Airbnb format

[Helen427]

@Cherie65 

 There's an old saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover"

 There's many a younger person who  takes such photos or has photos taken like that entering or editing doors and dressed in skimpier clothing on Instagram.

 Don't be too judgemental, remember we all have the right to express ourselves in our own unique manner. Best to keep an open mind.

 On the surface your guest may have a bubbly personality so embrace it in these challenging times we live in, it's not like she's staying with you long term, is it?

You never know what things you may find you have in common & become longer term friends.

We all cross each others paths for a reason.

All the best.

As @Lawrene0 has said, maybe it's the way the image appears and one doesn't realise body parts are missing when it's put online without a closer look.

Lawrene, love your new profile image, nice & fresh & positive.

Is it near your home?

Do you go running regularly?

If so, how far?

[Lawrene0]

Hi, @Helen427 . No, this is far away from my home. I live in Canada, but I was in Portugal at the beginning of September for work. On my day off, a colleague and I took the train to Sintra and we climbed to the Castle of the Moors for the view. The pandemic had it nearly deserted, which was awesome for photos, but sad. So that's me with my mask off briefly because no one was around. 

As I wasn't wearing a bikini, I thought it appropriate for a profile pic. ; )

I'm unconcerned about most guest profile pics because even friendly-face photos tend not to be of much help. They were taken 15 years ago, or with makeup, or whatever. I don't put any stock in them. I'd host you, flower photo and all!

[Cherie65]

@Helen427

 I appreciate your thoughts. We recently hosted a disruptive young couple. I think my guard is up and I am being protective of my property and sensitive to how I feel when I am uncomfortable with a guest.
Maybe I did miss out on a golden opportunity. I have since cancelled the reservation.

[Helen427]

Thanks Lawrene, friends who have visited and lived in Canada have loved it. 

 I'd also love to have you folk come and stay.

Haha @Lawrene0 @Cherie65 @Sarah977 @Emilia42 @Ann72 

I wonder what would happen if we all put a photo up on our listings in bikinis, or part of a bikini to show the different styles over the ages??

Will we have an increase in bookings?

A  lady who's had a double mastectomy made a lovely positive comment about a group of us ladies of various ages wearing bikinis at the swimming pools which was inspirational to keep wearing mine whilst I can.

@Mark116  maybe you could dig out your Speedos, boardie, or what the Australian's call budgie smugglers for a Profile photo.

@Robin4you will have seen a few different fashions of swimwear over the years to.

@Cathie19 @Nick @Quincy 

[Cathie19]

No bikinis here @Helen427  since my figure was passed on to others, much younger. I’m not prepared to pay for a guest’s therapy sessions from the trauma such an image could expose them to!  Lol....