Online dating 101: Profile do's and don'ts

July 23, 2:04 PMDC Singles ExaminerDanielle Duff

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You’ve finally taken the leap and joined an online dating site.   You’ve just started writing your profile but are stumped for ideas.  Now what?

Don’t be boring, do be creative.  If my eyes start to glaze over as I’m reading a profile you can guarantee that I have already decided I am not going to initiate contact with the user.  Chances are he’s a fun, outgoing guy who is adored by everyone he meets but I didn’t get to see that part of him because his profile was too boring.  Be creative- ask a few friends what they think your strengths and weaknesses are, compare yourself to your favorite character from a novel or movie, create a game that lures the reader.  (For example, in my profile I ask readers to guess where my visible tattoo is and where for a chance to score a drink with me and a friend.  It’s fun and gets a lot of responses!)

Earlier this week I found the most interesting and creative profile yet- a man wrote most of his profile from his dog’s point of view.  It was very endearing- and it worked!  One of my favorite lines from his profile is “Why am I doing this for him? Well, he was with someone for quite a few dog years but has been single for over a year”.

Don’t be vague, do be descriptive.  Instead of saying “I like classic rock music, Mexican food, and action movies” try this: “I’m a huge fan of Journey- I’ve seen them live 6 times!  I particularly enjoy Mexican food- I’m not much of a cook but would love to learn how to make a mean beef burrito.  I can’t get enough of action films; without a doubt my favorite movie is Die Hard, with Boondock Saints a close second.”  The second example is much more personal, allowing the reader to get a better description of who you are.

Don’t be self-righteous or scornful, do be pleasant.  You would be surprised at the number of people whose profiles belittle the reader, the very individuals they are trying to reach!  For example, earlier today I was browsing through profiles and came across a good looking guy.  However, as I began to read his profile I was immediately turned off:  “If you'll note, I have excellent grammar; so should you. Granted, our school system isn't the greatest, that doesn't mean you couldn't have studied in your free time, jackasses.”  Not exactly the type of guy a gal wants to take home to the parents, huh?

Avoid cynicism and cursing.  Above all else, be yourself (I’ve got a mouth on me like a sailor but I know what situations are appropriate for cursing- dating profiles is not one of them).

Don’t rush, do use spell-check and glance over for logic.  First impressions are important- you wouldn’t rush through a first meeting in person, so why do it online?  Your profile is the first impression the reader is going to have of you, so put time and effort into putting it together.  Use spell-check.  Read over it to make sure you hit all the main points and everything makes sense.

Don’t forget to update!  Over time you change- you pick up new hobbies, you go back to school, find your new favorite movie, move to other neighborhoods, etc.  Update your profile from time to time to include these new happenings in your life.  If you begin seeing someone be sure to change your relationship status on your profile.