One of the most common questions asked about online dating is: "How do I write a profile?"
Staring at a blank page and knowing that you can use only 350 words to describe everything about yourself in a way that is attractive and intriguing can be more than a little intimidating, even for the most experienced writers. Trust me, I know - I've been there, done that, and had to do it all without any guidance!
Through a little trial and error, and a lot of patience, I learned how to create a profile that expresses who I am and attracts the kind of people I want to get to know. The experimental method got me where I needed to be, but I'd like to accelerate the process for you.
So without further ado...Profile Writing: The Do's.
- Do be positive. Avoid talking about things you don't like, people who have hurt you, and bad experiences you've had. People won't be interested in bringing you into their lives if they think you're going to bring a lot of negativity with you.
- Do write a targeted profile. If you're especially interested in meeting a certain kind of person, craft a profile that will attract that kind of person's attention. If you're only interested in dating animal lovers, for example, talk about the farm you grew up on and the five dogs you own now.
- Do be clear about your intentions. Know what kind of relationship you want, and make sure that anyone viewing your profile knows too. If you're only interested in something serious and long-term, say so. If you don't want to date anyone long-distance, mention it. If smoking is a deal breaker, include it in your profile. You'll weed out a lot of inadequate matches instantly.
- Do consult with a friend. If you find it difficult to write about yourself, enlist the help of an acquaintance. Our friends often know us better than we know ourselves, so if you find yourself struggling with writer's block, ask an acquaintance what makes you such a great catch.
- Do proofread. Check your spelling. Check your grammar. Purge your profile of childish netspeak. Read everything out loud to check for clarity and flow. Obvious errors in a profile are a huge turnoff - after all, if someone can't be bothered to put a little time and effort into writing a profile, what are the odds that they'll put time and effort into building a relationship?
- Do offer unique details. People browsing your profile want to know what makes you special, so include a few details that express your individuality. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what song would it be? What is your favorite piece of art? If you could meet a fictional character in real life, who would you choose?
Following these six suggestions will put you on the right track to finding love online, but the "do's" are only half the battle. Continue learning how construct the perfect profile with "Profile Writing: The Don'ts."