With so many singles on a quest to make a computer connection, how can you make sure your profile will stand out and attract the right mate? Online dating is a game, just like monopoly or checkers. If you want to ensure your inbox stays full of online admirers it helps to know some basic rules:
1. Avoid the “Fauxtograph:” Known as the dreaded “fauxtograph,” posting an outdated or altered image only delays the inevitable truth. Choose an image that not only shows your face but portrays your personality as well. And learn how to take a good photo! Good lighting, the right angle, and proper exposure all help present yourself the right way. Since a photo is how most people will instantly judge your profile, take the time to get a good one.
2. Go with Your Gut. Chemistry is key in online dating. Don’t waste time going back and forth with someone that you’re not connecting with. A site like SpeedDate.com offers 3-minute speed dates, with the option to opt out of a dull date gracefully at any time. If you’re not feeling it, move on!
3. Show your Stuff. Skip the lengthy questionnaires typical to most online dating sites. Post interesting facts about yourself that will allow potential suitors with similar interests to learn more about you, without being bored to death by humdrum details. Talk about what music, TV shows, movies and books you like – that’s the kind of information that connects with potential mates. Sorry – if you talk about what a great guy you are it’s boring and no one will believe you anyway.
photo credit: Made Underground
4. Get Creative. Sure, you could just attach a string of meaningless numbers to your real name, but why not create a screen name that captures your personality and stands out from the crowd? How about FreshAndFrench, SalsaLover66 or SurferGuy? Doesn’t that sound better than John425813?
5. Play the Numbers Game. There are millions of people looking for dates online right now, so take advantage of the numbers. Who says third time’s the charm? The more dates you go on, the more you increase your chances of meeting Mr./Miss Right.
6. Start a Spark: The cyber flirt is all about witty conversation. Asking your potential love interest fun and unique questions lets her know that you want to get to know her. Can’t think of anything? Try asking her what her dream vacation is – she’ll be fantasizing while talking to you. Can’t beat that combination.
7. Practice makes perfect. Let’s face it, not all of us are born with the gift of gab, online or off. If you feel shy or tongue-tied when starting off on the online dating scene, don’t sweat it. Like anything else, online dating gets easier the more you try it. The more potential dates you contact, the more comfortable you’ll feel and the faster you’ll know when you’ve found a good match.
Happy hunting! Got any more suggestions for being an online flirt? Share them in the comments.
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:03 am
blind leading the blind.
salsalover66? C’mon!
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:16 am
Yeah, okay – salsalover66 is indeed lame. But the point is to come up with an interesting name that differentiates you from the crowd. It’s amazing how few people do this on dating sites.
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:34 am
Fair enough. In hindsight my orginal comment seemed a bit flamey. Fair play for responding.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I usually don?t post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful ?
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
This advice is really going to help, thanks.