How to write an online dating profile
Online dating can be a great way to meet new people and connect with others who share your interests and values. Even with positive reviews, many over 50s are weary of trying it for the first time and can find the process of using technology to set up a profile and meet a love interest daunting.
If you’re thinking of trying online dating there’s some simple tips and tricks you can use to help build a profile that shows you at your best and helps you meet new people who you can feel excited about.
Getting started
While most online dating websites are similar in scope, each will have their own process for setting up a profile – some will ask specific questions while others will give you free reign to share as much or as little of yourself as you like.
As you create your profile, think of it as a quick summary or snapshot of who you are. The more information you can share about yourself the more likely you are to connect with someone who is well suited to you. A few things to remember:
Know what you want – Meeting someone you’re interested in can quickly become discouraging if you find out they are looking for something different than you are. People use online dating websites to find both casual and serious relationships, so spend some time thinking about exactly what you’re hoping to find in a match and share your expectations openly.
Choose a recent photograph – While it’s not all about looks, sharing a photograph is a great way to grab someone’s attention and help them get a sense of who you are. Look for a photograph that’s been taken recently – within the last year – and if possible choose one where you are smiling or enjoying yourself.
Share what makes you unique – Your hobbies and achievements are great ice-breakers, so don’t be afraid to share what makes you different when you’re filling out your profile. Talk briefly about some of your proud moments and achievements, favourite places to travel, hobbies and other things that make you special and unique.
Be honest – Try to avoid exaggerating or embellishing the truth. It’s natural to want to put your best face forward, but it’s also makes it harder to connect with people you’re actually interested in and who share the same passions as you do. Don’t be tempted to say you love the great outdoors when really your idea of a relaxing afternoon is with a glass of wine and a good book. There’s someone out there for everyone so don’t be afraid to be yourself.
Seeking out a second opinion
As you’re building your profile, why not ask for a second opinion from a friend or family member? If you’re struggling to come up with a list of all the things that make you great, ask someone you trust to help remind you of your best qualities and build a profile you’re happy and comfortable with.
You can also find resources online to give you tips as you get going – articles like How to write a good online dating profile from WikiHow or Marie Claire magazine’s list of 15 Ways to make your online dating profile stand out both offer some simple tricks you can use.
Many popular dating websites also offer their own resources to help you along as you build your profile – eHarmony has put together a guide for building a profile when you don’t have any experience, as well as tips from other users about how to create an effective profile.
Even if you’ve never done it before, online dating is a great way to help meet new people that you might never have known otherwise, so don’t be afraid to have fun with it. The great thing about pursuing a relationship with the help of dating websites is that you can choose exactly how much or how little you want to share, who you’re interested in and what you want to get out if it.
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