How to Sell Yourself on an Online Dating Service

Millions of people are using online dating services to meet their Romeos or Juliets. If you want to give it a whirl, start with a compelling, yet truthful, profile of yourself. Many online dating sites allow you to post a profile for free but will charge you $20 to $35 per month to post photos, send e-mail or instant messages to other singles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• List of qualities
• Photograph

Before you sign up

1. Make a list of the qualities you'd like to find in a mate (or date).

2. Include important lifestyle issues in your profile. Are you looking for a serious commitment that could lead to marriage and kids or a strictly sexual relationship? Is religion important?

3. Surf various dating sites, such as Match.com and Yahoo Personals to view other profiles, making note of the things you like and dislike. This will help you not only refine your profile, but also decide which dating site to use.

Signing up

4. Gather or take a few flattering photographs of yourself. Your photo will be the first thing most people see. Select ones that show you looking relaxed and friendly. Showcase the best of what you've got. Don't post a photo of your cat or you with your ex.

5. Choose a user name that is simple and straightforward. Don't use your own name.

6. Brainstorm to come up with an appealing headline for your profile. Review other profiles to get an idea of the headline tone that you like. You don't need to be too cute or catchy, just fun.

7. Write a concise, descriptive and amusing profile of yourself. Describe who you are, what makes you unique (and desirable) and what you're looking for. Be true to yourself but don't be overearnest. Keep the tone upbeat, light and friendly.

8. Fill out the additional questions about height, weight, eye color and lifestyle preferences honestly. Resist the urge to manipulate these details in your favor. You'll be found out eventually and lying isn't a great way to start a relationship. Think twice before providing specific information about your income.

9. Check your profile for spelling and grammar before you submit it.

10. Beware of the seduction of spending time online answering letters-- especially to people you have no interest in meeting. Guard your time and your privacy carefully.

11. Take it nice and slow after you meet. You'll need to catch up in person after the easy intimacy of e-mail.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a Web site that has a large selection of singles in your area. Make sure you can search the site geographically.
• Sexual comments, innuendos or jokes will attract the wrong crowd if you're looking for a long-term, meaningful relationship.
• Have a friend with a digital camera take a couple of great photos of you if you don't already have some. Consider hiring a photographer. It will be money well spent.
• While it's good to have an idea about what you like in a mate, keep an open mind. The love of your life might be nothing like what you envision.
• Beware of the easy but limited intimacy that can rapidly develop in e-mail. Meet the person early on to see if there's any chemistry.
• If you decide to meet someone in person, meet in a public area. Don't share private information until you get to know the person better.

[missdichka]

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[perfectlypaired]

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[beckyking]

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