Write a Decent Online Dating Profile - and Take Your Time!

Your online dating profile needs to be good: there's no getting around that. You want to attract and get messages from singles of your own calibre. As a result, make sure not to be vague: saying that you "love sports" explains nothing. What sports do you "love"? Be more specific, and the same goes for all of your hobbies! Talk about things like the last movie you saw, book you read, concert you were at, etc.

Fear not if your writing skills are appalling. You can find someone to help you.

Dating Profile Pic

A dating profile pic or photo is the very first thing that jumps out at people when they see your account. Therefore make sure to take a good picture, or have a friend help you. It doesn't matter whether you're trying to attract men or women. Keep in mind: Have several pictures, from various angles, in different situations. It'll show just how multidimensional you are!

Guys, with a few exceptions (such as being at the beach), avoid topless pictures. Few people like a show-off.

Ladies, the same can be said for you. The more skin you show, the sleazier the messages you get will be.

Think Before You Write

It can be exciting to get a message, but make sure to read it carefully and respond accordingly. One particularly important tip is to figure out what you're looking for. A casual dating partner? Someone for a serious relationship? Make your point clear from the very beginning to avoid confusion in the future.

Be Careful

his should go without saying. Although online dating is quite safe and most singles you find are who they say they are (apart from a few embellishments here and there that everyone is guilty of), you still need to be on your guard. Scammers are still out there. Below is a quick list of red flags to look out for:

• Someone who immediate declares their love for you.
• Claims to be a UK citizen but lives/works abroad.
• Makes plans to meet, but tragedies always take place preventing it.
• Starts asking you for money (plane tickets for a visit, etc.)

Always Be Honest!

One complaint a lot of singles (particularly women) have is that the people they meet up with told a few lies in their profile. So make sure not to post pictures that are waaay too old (10 years is a definite no!), don’t lie about having a strict workout regime and don’t lie about height or your cooking abilities. It will all eventually come out in the wash!

Source: marketwatch.com