All dating sites require you to write a personal profile, which summarizes your background, likes, dislikes, and interests. These allow other people to see what you’re like, and hopefully, like what they see.
But how do you write a compelling personal profile that will stand out among the thousands that are posted on online dating sites? Here are some dating tips to help get you started, and avoid the common mistakes that could hurt your chances of finding Mr. Right.
Dating tip # 1: Don’t leave any blanks
It’s annoying for other people to click on a profile and find a lot of blanks. You come off as stand-offish and even considerate, because they wasted their time reading a useless personal profile.
Try to be specific and concrete when you answer, too. For example, under hobbies, don’t just say ‘art.’ A few details like ‘I enjoy sketching outdoors’ allows the reader to really imagine what you do—or at least be intrigued enough to want to learn more.
Dating tip # 2: Add photographs
Studies how that people who add a picture get as many as nine times more replies. Do post a recent photo, and resist the urge to do major Photoshopping. (You can, however, do a few minor fixes, like removing cluttered backgrounds or fixing red eye. Read our article on easy Photoshop fixes.) Deception is a big no-no in internet dating. If you don’t like your photos, why not ask a friend to help you take a nice picture of yourself? Put on makeup, wear your most flattering blouse, and shoot in natural light in early morning and dusk.
Dating tip # 3: Don’t be sarcastic or rude.
It doesn’t come off as witty and interesting—just rude and self-absorbed. Remember that without body language and facial expressions, something your friends will think are hysterical will just come off wrong.
Dating tip # 4: Don’t sound like you’re conducting a job interview
You know what we mean. Some people will post a long list of ‘criteria’ for their dates, which actually tends to turn away people. You don’t want to look like you’re picky or snobbish.
Dating tip # 5: Do say a few things you really care about.
While you don’t want to list a long criteria, it is important to say one or two things that you’re really passionate about and are central to your personality or values. For example, ‘Strong Christian values are important to me’ or ‘I loooooove parties!’
Dating tip # 6: Be truthful, but confident
Don’t invent things just to make yourself interesting (lying is one of the worst online dating mistakes) but do play up your best strengths. For example, you shouldn’t say that you’re 20 pounds lighter than you really are. But if people say that you’re a great singer and sound like Aretha, then banner it!
Dating tip # 7: Be positive!
Nobody wants to date Ms. Doom and Gloom. Exude positive energy in your profile, by posting a photo where you’re smiling, playing up your strengths, and avoiding sarcasm and any hint of bitterness in your personal descriptions. And most importantly, stay positive. Even with a perfect personal ad you won’t get the perfect guy in the first week. But be patient, he will come!
Photo from search-for-the-perfect10.blogspot.com