Contributed by: kellyseal on Saturday, December 01 2012 @ 09:10 am
Last modified on
Creating a great online dating profile isn't as easy as it looks. Many people write profile descriptions and post pictures with good intentions, perhaps not thinking about how they come across to a total stranger.
While a few phrases might seem harmless and welcoming to you, they might actually come across as clichéd or generic. Sure, your friends get you and could vouch for how wonderful you are, but you have to sell yourself to strangers in your profile, so it's important to take the extra time to make yours stand out.
Here's how to avoid falling into the cliché trap:
Choose good pictures. Please don't take a picture of yourself shirtless, or in front of the bathroom mirror, or next to your really expensive car. While you might think it's a turn-on, you'll turn more people off. Instead, use pictures that represent who you are - active shots of you skiing, or playing guitar, or cooking. It's also important to be truthful in the visual, so use both a good head and body shot (taken within the last few months).Get a friend to help instead of taking them yourself.
Be specific. Who doesn't like long walks on the beach? Or weekend getaways? And everyone can be comfortable either A.) staying in and watching movies in sweats or B.) dressing up and going out to a nice dinner. Enough with the clichés! Instead, pick a specific scenario and describe it - what was the most romantic date you've been on, or can imagine? What exactly would you do? Or what is a memorable travel experience you can share? The more specific and the more it actually does interest you, the better.
Use your humor. Don't just say you're funny or that you like someone with a sense of humor, show how you're funny. You don't have to cover your profile with jokes or come off as totally sarcastic, but one or two comments that show off your humor are great attractors.
Don't go on and on. If you talk too much about yourself or what you want, people will stop reading. Who wants to try to live up to someone's ideal, or read that much information? That's way too much pressure. Also, there's no room for mystery and getting to know each other's likes and dislikes over the course of a relationship. Keep it brief - have a friend edit if necessary.
Avoid clichéd phrases like "I work hard and play hard." What does this even mean anymore? Instead of relying on standard lines, use your own words and descriptions - no more platitudes. You will come across so much more interesting and attractive if you avoid generics and describe what you want more creatively.