Do’s And Don’ts Of An Online Profile

Just like any other form of writing or personal expression, there are some basic do’s and don’ts you should keep in mind when composing and posting your online dating profile.  Paying attention to these suggestions will help you post a profile that is interesting, appealing and more likely to generate responses from other members of the online dating site.

Do’s

Be honest

Never exaggerate your accomplishments, describe yourself more favourably than is justified, or try to hide something important about yourself.  Most of the time you will be spotted right away as suspicious or a phony, but even if you get away with dishonesty at first you will always be found out eventually.

Include pictures

Profiles that contain pictures are far more likely to generate responses, so put pictures in your profile that reflect who you really are.  The main picture should be fairly close up so that your face is easy to see, but additional pictures can show you doing various activities you enjoy or in settings that illustrate your personality and character.

Be yourself

Let your personality come through in your profile.  If you have a good sense of humour then share it with your readers.  Or, if you have a unique hobby or other notable activity include that in your profile as well.  Your profile should describe who you are as a person and help others see why you are special.

Don’ts

Swearing, vulgarity, or sexual innuendo

Never swear or use vulgar language in your profile.  Even if that is the way you normally speak (and hopefully it is not) it is not appropriate to put it in your profile.  Sexual innuendo or suggestive material is also inappropriate and on many online dating services, it will put you at risk of being deleted or banned outright.

Family pictures

You should not include family pictures, especially those that include your children, as part of your profile on most online dating sites.  Keep the focus on you and save the family photos for later.  The only exception to this is on some dating sites designed for single parents, where they encourage you to show your family as part of your profile.  Even then, be cautious about doing this in order to protect your family privacy.

Negativity or trashing others

Negativity has no place in your profile, and neither does any degrading or insulting descriptions of ex-spouses/girlfriends/boyfriends.  You will only come across as whiny and complaining, two attributes that will certainly not attract you a lot of potential matches.

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