Contributed by: Jet on Monday, May 13 2013 @ 06:55 am
Last modified on
We all have issues we’re self-conscious about - something about our lives, physical or not, that we wish were different. The specific problems are as varied as the people. When it comes to writing online profiles, however, many people have a common complaint: they wish they were more exciting. Or, barring that, just less boring.
“I can’t list my typical weekend plans,” moans one man. “I like hitting up estate sales, especially for vintage mid-century casserole dishes. How much more bland can you get? Why couldn’t I have been interested in skydiving?”
“I sound like the stereotypical librarian,” says a woman. “My social life is comprised of my book club and my knitting club. I have two cats. How am I supposed to find someone with common interests? I look like I have the interests of a little old lady!”
It’s at this point that many are tempted to lie, and they do. Inevitably, though, these “white lies” lead to trouble, or simply to nothing at all. Not only will that man’s date be less than impressed when she finds out he isn’t really a skydiver, chances are they won’t have anything else in common. And if the “librarian” made up an exciting social life and meets someone who loves to hit the clubs, she’ll likely learn that she doesn’t even like the life of a party girl. Lies may have landed a first date, but not much else - except added anxiety and nerves, of course.
At the same time, you don’t want your profile to be passed over. So what to do? Well, the first thing to remember is that you have to embrace who you are. So maybe you’re a homebody, or the nerd version of the archaeological adventurer. Don’t apologize for who you are and what you love; instead, share what you like about those interests and why you think they’re fun. Whatever the specifics are, readers might be drawn in by the passion and confidence that shines through.
Explaining why you like what you do also helps if your interests are niche ones. Perhaps the knitter might find something in common with someone else who enjoys hobbies that are relaxing and creative. Also, if you can explain your hobbies to someone else, you’re more aware of what exactly it is that you like about them - and thus, you can look for those personality traits and interests in the profiles you peruse yourself. Remember: your potential dates shouldn’t be expected to look past the details and see the person within if you aren’t doing the same thing.
Finally, remember that everyone is quite a bit more than the sum of the details about their lives. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, in your own profile and while reading others’ as well. With enough thought, creativity and maybe input from friends or family, the real you will shine through - without having to resort to white lies.