Writing Your Personal Profile – Help!
You’re All Signed Up!
You’ve got two or three free trial memberships in online dating services, and now it’s time. You gotta write your personal ad, or “profile.” We know. You can’t write! And even if you could, where do you start? Well, the first thing is, and you will read this in virtually every piece of advice you can find on personal ad writing, be honest. We know. But it’s true. You have to expose the real you in your personal profile. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Presumably, you’re hoping to find someone with whom, at the very least, you can spend a lot of time. Maybe fall in love. You know the rest. So, if that’s true, then you can’t try to sucker them into falling for somone you’re not. If you have a pet emu that sleeps in your bedroom, you gotta put that out up front. It’s sort of like “truth in lending.” If you can’t stand to be around smokers, or even bowlers for that matter, save yourself some time and let them know that in your profile. Although the bowling thing is kind of harsh.
Take An Inventory
Then, like it says in the old song, “accentuate the positive.” We’re talking REALLY old songs here. But, make a list of the things you find most charming, or unique, about yourself. If you can’t think of any, ask a couple of friends to help you out. Then take that list, and choose the best from it to include in your profile.
Include things about your lifestyle that you consider most important, the things you would hope to share with a mate. If you spend your weekends volunteering in homeless shelters, you probably won’t be satisfied with someone who would rather drink beer and watch television. Likewise, if you’re a real homebody, who likes to cook and garden, you probably don’t want an avid skydiver.
Avoid the superficial, and try to show who you really are. If you want to attract someone with similar, or complementary interests, you have to expose what those interests are. Besides, if you decide to go the other way, and just make up some cool-sounding stuff, how embarrassing is that going to be when it all gets exposed? I’m just sayin’.
Beauty Queen Cures Cancer and Takes Wimbledon in Straight Sets!
Include an attention-getting headline, or “grabber.” Okay, maybe the example above is a little over the top, but find some way to stand out in the sea of other people who may, at first blush, seem to be just like you. Look at all those other faces. Does someone’s ad jump out from among the rest? Why? Try to figure that out, and do the same with your ad, while remaining completely honest, of course.
Exhibit a positive attitude. Nobody likes to be around negativity, so it’s not likely to attract the kind of mate you’re hoping to find. Your profile is not the place to relate all the worries and woes of your life. Keep it light, and if you have a sense of humor, this is a good place to let it show.
A Picture Is Worth Dozens of Words
Invest in a good photograph. Underexposed and shadowy makes you unattractive and hard to see. Overexposed and “blown out” looks harsh. Let them SEE who you are, in your “best light.” You should consider a professionally taken photo. There are relatively inexpensive online services, like LookBetterOnline.com, that will send a photographer to you who specializes in online dating photos. They know exactly what you need, and why you need it, and they’re adept at providing it for you. Some of these same services will also help you polish your written online profile.
Other companies, like Dating-Profile.com, specialize strictly in online profile enhancement. They offer a range of services, from a critique of your current profile, to writing one for you from scratch, depending on your needs and budget. Investing a modest amount in a good photo and a polished, well-written profile, can pay huge dividends in the impression you make online.
So, in summation, be honest, be positive, be specific, and be honest. And did we mention, be honest? You’ll both be glad you were.
Services to Consider
LookBetterOnline.com is a full-service company that will provide you with an online photograph to show you at your best. They will also critique, polish, or create your online profile as your needs and budget require.
Dating-Profile.com Will advise, assist, or even completely write your online profile for you. Excellent professional assistance at a reasonable cost, to help you make your best first impression online.
Intelius.com – Perform an instant background check on anyone, anywhere. Have the peace of mind of knowing that your potential date is exactly the person they claim to be.
Classmates.com can help you locate that old girlfriend or boyfriend you always wondered about. Or, just locate old schoolmates you’ve lost track of over the years. Classmates.com lets you find them for free.
