The first time I tried online dating I was terrified. The second time I was frustrated. The third time was better because I got the attention I wanted. This happened because I took the time to experiment with my profile, ask my friends what they were doing and read-up on the topic.
Do yourself a favor and don't make the same mistakes I made.
The first time I tried online dating I was terrified. The second time I was frustrated. The third time was better because I got the attention I wanted. This happened because I took the time to experiment with my profile, ask my friends what they were doing and read-up on the topic.
Do yourself a favor and don't make the same mistakes I made.
Mistake Number One: Ignoring the Competition Weeks went by before I looked at another woman's profile. It didn't occur to me to compare myself to others and one-up my competition. If of women in my zip code have a picture of themselves at a baseball game, then shouldn't I make myself stand out by posting a picture of myself playing the game?
Mistake Number Two: Never Changing Your Photo The first two times I was on Match I used the same photo. The third time I signed-up I searched men under 35 and found a guy I had seen on the first-go-round. Although I really liked him, I quickly changed my mind about writing him because his profile was exactly the same. I picked a new photo for myself and changed my profile a little every couple of weeks. I did this so guys who may have passed by me once, wouldn't pass by me again.
Mistake Number Three: The Wrong Photo Uploaded It's odd to have pictures of your ex or a friend of the opposite sex hanging or hugging on you. Since it's safe to assume we've all been in relationships and have flirty friends, avoid pictures where its obvious someone has been cut out or where someone is a little too friendly.
Pictures of you with babies and puppies are cheap. Nice try.
And then, of course, are the photos of you in your bathing suit. It's great that you're hot and want to tell someone, but keep it classy.
Mistake Number Four: Write a Novel The written portions of your profile should never be too long. Our attention spans just won't withstand the 580 words describing your ideal date. Save the novel for the second, third and fourth e-mails because that will certainly let him or her know you're interested.
Mistake Number Five: Played a Broken Record Make yourself sound unique by focusing on your distinctive attributes like, for instance, the fact that your eyes change from hazel to green depending on your outfit. Avoid clich phrases like "I'm laid back" or "My friends say I'm..." Making yourself stand out may be the most important aspect of an online profile.
Mistake Number Six: Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve No one cares that you just broke up, or that you've been hurt before. Let me take that back, everyone looking at your profile cares, but not in a good way. Don't say things like, "I just got out of a relationship and am just looking to have fun" or "I've had bad luck finding a good man, and now I'm here to find Mr. Right." It's ok that you're heart-broken; just keep it to yourself or you risk scaring a lot of great suitors away.
Mistake Number Seven: Forgetting to Get a Second Opinion It's hard to write about yourself, let's be honest. Asking a friend to write or review your profile is one of the best things you can do. If that's not an option, for a small fee there are many services that will help you put together the written portions of your profile.
The outcome of dating will only be positive if you keep realistic expectations and the right attitude. Online dating is not hard, and shouldn't be scary. |
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