Writing a Great Online Dating Profile

I’m committed in my search for my Prince and therefor, I read a lot of online dating profiles.

While online dating sites are all vastly different, one thing remains a constant – You always receive an area in which to talk about yourself, your interests and what it is you are looking for. It’s amazing how many guys “want someone honest, sweet, caring, trustworthy and fun to be around”. Isn’t this all of us!?

I’ve yet to see a profile that says “I want someone who lies, treats me like shit, doesn’t give a damn about me and cheats on me a lot”. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that that’s not something people are looking for on a dating site. Most people are actually there for a long lasting relationship and it can be assumed that they are first and foremost looking for someone with nice qualities.

But come on guys! What makes you different from the thousands of other profiles out there? And this goes for you ladies as well. Some of you are just as guilty as the boys are. What exactly are you looking for? What are your interests? What do you like to do? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What kind of lifestyle do you lead or want? These are serious and very important questions you should know the answer to and be able to share on your dating profile.

So what kind of things should you be telling us? I’m going to give a range of examples of profiles containing interests and likes. These are based on REAL profiles I found!

Bad

Looking for a nice girl with no drama who doesn’t have baggage. I’m single, no kids. I like listening to music, reading and watching movies. I don’t really know what else to put here but if I seem interesting, hit me up and let’s chat.

Good

I love sitcoms, working out, reading Sci-Fi books and going out for a night on the town with friends for a few drinks, some karaoke and some laughs. I’m working on my last year of college and hopefully that means a better job to come soon. I currently work as a bartender. It’s not much, but I get by. I am looking for a great guy who enjoys doing the same stuff I do and maybe can get me interested in other things she likes to do as well.

Great

I’m looking to bring someone into my life, with whom I can share everything I have with. I’m completely single, never married, no hangups or crazy exes, and no kids. I live alone in my own house, but come from a very large and very close family. The woman I’m seeking would have these interests: loving to travel, learning about different cultures and customs, yearning to have a good time and explore new things, etc. You should be able to enjoy a night at the symphony followed by ballroom dancing (I can teach you ;)) just as much as a night at home watching reruns on TV in our underwear eating cheap but delicious chinese food and chasing it with a bottle of Pepto Bismal.

Now

tell me, which of those 3 profiles would you rather read? Which one tells you the most about the writer? The key is to be real and in depth. You only get one chance and just a few seconds to catch the eye of the reader. That gorgeous picture of you with that amazing smile is only going to get you so far. If you’re totally hot but don’t seem to care enough about the online dating process to tell us a little about yourself, I have no problem closing the page and believe me, most people feel the same way.

There are still a lot of tips and tricks you should keep in mind when trying to write a great online dating profile. Consider some of these ideas…

Demonstrate, Don’t Describe
People tend to give a list of adjectives in their profiles and describe themselves as funny, positive, happy, witty or interesting. Don’t tell us… Show us with your writing. A happy sounding profile is more likely to display your cheerful personality than you telling us you have one. It make be cliche, but actions speak louder than words.

Use Proper Grammar and Punctuation
Lack of grammar and punctuation may seem like not such a big deal, but I figure if a man can’t take the time to pay attention to the details of his profile when he really has all the time in the world to construct rational, proper and complete thoughts – then how on earth is he ever going to be able to pay attention to details regarding me or take relationships as seriously as I do? Food for thought? I’ll take mine in cheesecake if you’ve got it.

Be Positive
Try to avoid negativity on your profile unless it’s a deal breaker (like you can’t date something with cats because you don’t like them or you are horrible allergic). If you have strong religious or moral standards you feel your match should have in common with you, by all means… list them in a positive manner. However, don’t talk down about yourself. How can anyone else like you if even you don’t think you’re worth being liked?

Be Honest… in moderation
Honesty really is the best policy. If you used to work out 5 days a week and now consider lifting your television remote to be exercise then be honest about that. The reader is making a decision on your here and now… not what you were doing 6 months ago.

Weight is a touchy subject. On the one hand, if someone can’t like you for you, then you shouldn’t bother with them. But help people out. If you’ve packed on some pounds and don’t quite fit the look of your pictures, let people know. You’ll avoid that terrified and disgusted look on your date’s face when they see you for the first time. You don’t have to get into specific numbers – especially if you plan to lose some weight. You don’t owe that kind of information to anyone.

Above all… Be yourself!
Write the kind of profile that demonstrates who you are and the kind of person you want to attract. Relax and let the information flow from your fingers. It’s okay if it takes a few times to get it perfect… it takes a few frogs before your find a prince.