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By: Sharon Alger
So, you’ve decided to join a dating website.
You’re hoping someone out there will find something interesting about
you and try to get to know you better.
Many members worry about appearing ‘desperate’
or over keen. This can mean putting in less effort into a profile in a bid to
‘play it cool’. Of course, nobody wishes to be seen as desperate.
However, keep this in mind: how will others know what you want, if you don’t
ask for it? How will they ever appreciate your finer qualities if you remain
tightlipped?
Therefore, to be successful in the online dating world, your
profile is highly important. Members search through a large number
of profiles on these sites. If there is little information about a prospective
date, then they are more than likely to skim over an empty profile as quickly
as possible. Look at this as a great chance to sell yourself!
The first aspect of your profile to consider should be your
photo. No matter how much emphasis people put on the importance
of personality, the old expression, ‘it’s nice to put a face to
a name’ couldn’t be more apt.
Physical appearance plays a big part in the real world, when
first becoming attracted to someone. Also, it helps to ensure that people will
remember you. The golden rule when posting photos on dating sites is
obvious – BE HONEST. We’ve all heard stories of people
who’ve posted a photo that is ten or twenty years old. Or worse still,
a photo of someone else entirely! Now, if you never intend to meet someone,
then this is not a problem. But let’s be realistic – you wouldn’t
be on a dating site if you weren’t hoping to meet someone!
A misleading photo causes all sorts of unnecessary
problems on a first date. You will have your date questioning your
honesty. You want to turn up for dates relaxed, with your best attitude put
forward. Still not convinced? Just think how you would feel, if you were deceived
by a photo, and that should be incentive enough for you to be accurate.
So what if you’ve gained a few pounds? Aged a bit? Give
yourself some credit, you’re still a beautiful person, and sure to be
someone’s ideal ‘type’. So, try to get a recent photo
of yourself, looking the best you can. Avoid shots that are so dark
or distant that no one can see your face. People will only see either an insecure
person, or someone who has something to hide and move on. Just think how frustrated
and disinterested you’d be if you came across such a picture.
Let’s talk about location. How much information is right?
Obviously, for safety reasons you aren’t going to put your address
into your profile. Apart from this, put as much detail as you feel
comfortable with. At least, put the state you live in. at most, your suburb.
Anything in between (such as the city your suburb is located in) is also fine.
We all know this, but it bears repeating, do not put your phone number on any
public site.
It will save everyone a great deal of time if you are
open and honest about your sexual preference.
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Talk about your interests and hobbies. Don’t
just leave it blank! And don’t worry if they don’t seem interesting
enough. This is who you are. If you are honest and forthcoming with this information,
you will be more likely to attract the type of person you are after. For example,
if you were the district running champion in high school, but never intend to
run again, don’t put it in as a hobby! To put in hobbies you have no interest
in, in the hope of appearing more impressive, will only attract people you have
nothing in common with in the here and now.
So, if you like quiet nights in, say so! Try to paint
a rich and detailed picture of what the real you likes to do.
You also really need to share a part of your personality
with your audience. What are your beliefs? What are you looking for in a person?
Also, if you feel you have special qualities such as a sense of humour or kind
nature, try to write your profile in a way that sincerely reflects that.
You are now ready to make your first attempt at creating a
winning profile! Remember, you just need to keep it honest and current.
You need to show you’ve made some level of effort to let members know
who the real you is. And when in doubt, remind yourself: give the sort of information
you yourself would be wanting to know about when looking at other members. Good
luck!
Other articles you may find interesting:
Sharon is the owner of the free dating site, www.singles-world.info.
* The articles published on this site undergo our review process. We found the information in this article to be very useful and informative. The source website does not necessarily reflect our website. We have linked to them for your information only. |
