How to Present Yourself for Online Romance

When picking your "handle," chatting, creating a self-profile or writing a personal ad to place on an online service or message board, honesty is the best policy. Do not "remake yourself" in cyberspace.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• E-mail Accounts
• Computers

1. Pick an online "handle" that truly suits you. Calling yourself "SuperHunk" or "OneWonderWoman" may be fun, but such nicknames are not enlightening. A name such as "OrchidLover" or "HockeyFreak" delivers a useful message.

2. Write a personal profile that reflects your actual interests so that those who read it will learn something useful about you.

3. Visit chat rooms and forums that attract people you would want to spend time with in the real world. Observe for a while before you become an active participant.

4. Use your normal vocabulary when you start offering your comments.

5. Make remarks online that you would not be embarrassed to say in a face-to-face conversation.

6. Write any personal ads you place online carefully. Be honest, specific and brief. Imagine a close friend reading it and saying, "Hey, that sounds just like you!"

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that you may want to meet online friends and love interests in person someday, so act accordingly. Otherwise, the first words you utter face-to-face to a potential soul mate may be an apology.
• Make acquaintances quickly and friends slowly; remember that millions of people communicate in cyberspace.
• If you're looking for friends and love in cyberspace, do not make the mistake of creating a fictional persona.
• When you get involved with a cybersweetheart, remember that he or she may be wearing a false "mask." Take your time, and be on the lookout for slipups and exaggerations.

Who Can Help:

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on 9/11/2006 Like all other writing, you need to know your audience. Make your profile interesting with a good sense of humor and a trace of optimism. Be positive, and specific, but brief. People go through hundreds of profiles, give them a reason to pick you!

on 11/22/2005 Remember, even if you have had long hours of deep and meaningful conversation with him, it doesn't tell you much about what he is going to be like when you finally meet him. Try not to idealize him. 100 hours of chatting can't tell you what 2 short dates can.

on 11/22/2005 Be yourself and you're sure to find someone. State what you stand for and who you are and where you're going. Someone will likely notice and want to talk to you.

on 11/22/2005 The person you are chatting with might be new to the world of the Internet. Try your best to make him/her feel relaxed and encourage others in a polite way to chat so that they may confide in you! Once that happens the real enjoyment begins!

on 11/22/2005 In your profile, put a small "down-talk" such as "no one famous" or "nothing too special".
I find that people look at that and see more honesty. They tend to chat with you a little more than if you put "I did this and this and this and this ..."