How to make the perfect online dating profile

Creating an appealing online profile is the key foundation of successful . Your profile informs any dating prospects of your characteristics, what you're looking for and what kinds of individual you are. Basic information includes: Appearance, interests, age, profession, hobbies, likes, dislikes, etc...This helps your online prospects make out your compatibility with each other. But remember, what really matters is your personal profile - it's what sets you apart from a zillion others. You must take advantage of this and highlight the key elements of yourself.

List all of your passions, likes and dislikes in an interesting way. Give your readers an idea what you're seeking, without making it sound too straight-forward. And before posting your profile, make sure to review your profile and get a friend or relative to read through it and get their honest opinion.

Most sites will ask for details of age, height, ethnicity, religion, eye color, hair color, occupation, education, smoking preference, favorite hobbies, a description of your personality, what you are looking for in a man, whether you are seeking a casual relationship, a friendship, a short-term fling, long term romance, or marriage, what is important to you in a man, your value system, beliefs, specific affiliations and more.

To be successful in love, the profile must present you in the best light and give would be suitors a glimpse or inkling of what makes you tick and how to win you over. Write as though you are in a conversation with someone. Imagine sitting across a table and telling a dashing, handsome man all about yourself.

A profile is generally of 200-250 words. Write around 150- 200 words about yourself and around 50-100 words can be devoted to describing the kind of person you are looking for.

Remember to Include:

Personal details - Where you live, whether you are open to changing your place of residence, where you have traveled and so on.

Discuss your profession - Career history as well as future plans.

Speak about past experiences and relationships. Talk about children if you have them. Be sure to mention whether you are hoping to have children or do not want any.

Tell the truth - In case you have any serious health problem be sure to write about it. People rarely like surprises.

Your personal background - One should also mention any religious or political affiliations that you may have.

The type of relationship you'd like - Mention what kind of relationship you are looking for-long term or short term.

When writing a profile one must:

· Be honest and truthful. Never fabricate scenarios or stories - ultimately if you want a serious relationship the man must know and get to like the real you.

· Don't hide facts like your age or whether you have children.

· It is best to show or prove not just state facts. Instead of saying "I am funny" show you are funny by weaving in a real-life incident or joke about an experience that is etched in your memory. This will give a glimpse of you and make your profile distinct from others.

· Write for the "audience" not for yourself. Never give too much or too little information.

· Never be superficial.

· Adjectives mean nothing, avoid them if you can ---words like nice, smart, kind, warm, loving, ambitious, go getter, family oriented are meaningless words.

· While speaking of interests try and include details. For example if you like hiking-then mention where all you have been and where you plan to or look forward to going. This gives more information than listing a long line of interests-biking, tennis, dogs, movies, and so on.

· Don't use clichés in your profile; every other person is "cute/ cuddly/ tall/ looking for a friend/understanding companion," make your profile simple, clear, and concise. Bragging is another "NO"-please do avoid subjective evaluations.

· Try and define yourself positively-let the profile show who/what you are. There is no point in repeatedly stating what you want or your future aspirations.

When in doubt, seek the help of professionals. Many dating sites offer professional profile writing /reviewing help.

The profile is what creates a first impression, so write one that aims to be different and is appealing as well as honest. Remember this is what a man will read before deciding should I contact her or not.

The profile should give an insight to who you really are. A great profile will increase greatly your chances of linking up with the Mr. Right-a man who meets all your needs and is not just compatible in an analytical way but is a man who is genuine and wants to know more about you-get to know the real you.

We all know it is not a perfect world and even in online dating one can encounter undesirables. To protect yourself from unwanted problems:

- Do Not list your address.
- Do Not mention your phone number.
- Do Not give away where you love to go-a bar or coffee house or library that you frequent.
- Do Not enumerate any vital statistics.
- Do Not mention financial details.
- Do Not indicate where you work or shop.
- Do Not ever say where you work out.

Until you are sure you are ready to know a man better and are sure about his credentials never reveal personal information.