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Choose a user name that sounds positive and describes your personality. No one wants to meet "IHateMyLife" or "JadedinLA," because the person sounds like he or she is carrying a lot of emotional baggage. If you use an online dating service that sends "winks" via email, many people look at your username first; if it's something like "Spurned_Divorcee" they won't even bother to read your profile.
Names that reflect your interests are good if you want to meet someone who shares your hobbies. "Comic_Book_Fanboy" may seem like a turn-off to some, but if it's important to you that your potential date is interested in comic books then use it. Likewise, if you're an avid reader with a big heart, "Romantic_Bibliophile" might generate a lot of interest. Two or three words say a lot about your personality if you choose the right words.
Using terms like "Lonely" or "Desperate" or "Seeking Soulmate" are rarely the sure-fire attention grabbers some people think they are. They sound negative and imply neediness. Focus on your positive traits and what you're looking for.
It's okay to be a little playful and creative, but don't get carried away. "MickyinPajamas" may sound cute and fun to some people, but it also carries an implication of laziness.
Make a list of possible user names and don't be afraid to ask your friends for feedback on your list. Other people often have a better perspective, because they take your username at face value just like a potential match does. -
All of the above advice for user names applies to your profile's headline as well. However, with the headline you have a chance to give more detail.
Be creative. Don't just write a headline that sounds like a classified ad. "M4F into Bungee Jumping" is generic and doesn't really say anything about you. A better version of this is, "Adventure Sport Loving Lawyer Looking for Thrill Seeking Female." It implies that you're adventurous, but stable, and you want a woman who shares your interests.
If you are looking for a long-term relationship, don't write a headline sounding like something you would see on Craig's List Casual Encounters. "Rich Handsome Professional 45 yr old, 6'2" 180 lbs" might get you many responses, but it's unlikely they'll be from anyone with whom you want a long-term relationship.
Write honestly about yourself; don't just write what you think will get you a lot of replies. Cliché headlines like "Generous Romantic Who Wants to Woo You" come across as insincere even if they are true. A better version would be, "Soft Spoken Man Looking for Steady Relationship with an Intelligent Woman." Again, this version says a more about you and what you're looking for. It's better to be direct and get the right responses than an inbox full of bad matches.
It may take a few tries, but a good headline should be a written snapshot of who you are and what kind of relationship you're looking for.
