A beginner's guide to writing an online dating profile
We use the internet for everything from banking to insurance claims and from booking restaurants and movie tickets, so it makes complete sense that we use it to meet people too. Online dating can be a great way to connect with new people and find others who share your interests and values. So how then do you go about setting up a profile? Well, if you’re thinking of trying online dating there are some simple tips and tricks to help you create a great profile. You’ll want to ensure your profile shows you at your best and helps you meet new people who you can feel excited about because you share common interests.
Each dating site has its own process for setting up a profile. And the good news is, they’re all pretty user friendly. Some will ask specific questions while others will give you free reign to share as much or as little of yourself as you like. The best way to approach this task is to think of your profile as a snapshot of who you are. While it’s only brief and you don’t want to reveal too much, the more information you can share about yourself the more likely you are to connect with someone who is well suited to you. A few things to remember:
What are you looking for?
One of the worst things that can happen is that you get excited about meeting someone you’re interested in only to find out you’re after different things. People use online dating websites to find both casual and serious relationships, so spend some time thinking about exactly what you’re hoping to find in a match and share your expectations openly.
Put your best photo forward
Dating isn’t all about looks but selecting a photo of yourself that is pleasing, and where you look happy, is one the best techniques to attracting attention in the online dating game. Opt for a photo that’s been taken recently (within the last year) and one in which you are smiling.
Celebrate your individuality
Don’t be afraid to share what makes you different when you’re filling out your profile. It will create a talking point, help you weed out the people that don’t appreciate the things you do and will allow you to be yourself throughout the entire process. Given said that, you only want to talk briefly about these things. Some points to cover are achievements you’re proud of, favourite places to travel, hobbies and other things that make you special and unique. Don't give it all away - you want to gain interest but leave some things to chat about in the near future.
Honesty in the best policy
Always avoid exaggerating or embellishing the truth. While it’s natural to want to put your best face forward, if you lie it will only make it harder to connect with people you’re actually interested in and who share the same passions as you. There’s someone out there for everyone, so don’t be afraid to be yourself.
Seeking out a second opinion
When you think you’re done creating your profile, it’s a great idea to test the waters and see what a friend thinks before you make your profile live. Getting a second opinion is also handy if you’re struggling to come up with a list of all the things that make you great. Ask someone you trust to help remind you of your best qualities and build a profile you’re happy and comfortable with.