First impressions are important, which is why it is essential to create an appealing, but honest profile of yourself. After all, this is the only information that a potential suitor has to go on initially and the decision on whether or not to contact you will be based upon what he or she reads in your profile. A great photo alone is not enough. After all, would you really want someone to choose you based purely on the way that you look rather than the person you are?

If you are not submitting a photo, then it is even more important to give a good description of yourself, your interests and your dislikes, along with information about the type of person you are seeking. A great profile will improve your chances of linking up with someone compatible and someone who is genuinely interested in you as a person.

There are no benefits in embellishing facts or lying, since the truth will emerge once you meet somebody. If they discover that you have distorted the truth, then trust will be lost, along with a potentially great relationship. You want somebody to choose you, because of who you are and not because you appear to live up to someone else's fantasy.

Allow your personality to shine through. If you have a talent for wit and a great sense of humour, then incorporate these qualities into your profile. Be totally honesty about whom you are seeking, even down to including traits that you wouldn't like in a potential partner and what you are hoping to gain from a future relationship. Conclude on an inviting note.

Don't, of course, include too many personal details, such as your home address, telephone number, social establishments you frequent, vital statistics or bodily flaws, unless you want some weirdo with a penchant for bunions or three nipples to turn up drooling on your doorstep.

Choosing a Photo to Accompany Your Profile

Do include a recent, but flattering photo of yourself, not one that was taken 10 years ago when you were a different size/had a different hair colour/had more hair/less wrinkles/were going through your Gothic phase and which looks nothing like you do now. It may seem shallow, but those who include a photograph generally generate more interest than those who only submit a written profile.

Choose a clear photo in which you are smiling and appear approachable, rather than one taken when you were having a particularly bad day and which would probably deter anyone from wanting to contact you.

Double-Checking Your Profile

It is important to always double-check your spelling, punctuation and grammar before submitting your profile. Whilst most dating sites will provide the option of being able to edit your profile, it saves time in the long run by getting it right first time. I would always advise creating and saving your profile in Word or Notepad, so that if the pc decides to kick you out of the system for any reason whilst you are in the middle of inputting your profile, it will not be lost. It also means that if you join more than one dating site, you can simply cut and paste the profile into the relevant boxes on the site.

Online dating has revolutionised the matchmaking process, so why not make it work for you by portraying yourself in the best possible light and attracting Mr or Mrs Right into your life?

Recommended dating sites:

http://www.datinghappy.com

http://www.lovecatcher.com

About The Author

You have permission to publish this article free of charge, as long as the author bio and active link are included.

Jan Andersen is a British Freelance Writer and Copywriter specialising in articles and features on diverse lifestyle topics and social issues. She has also participated in many TV and radio programmes. Jan also owns and runs five websites; World Writer, Mothers Over 40, Child Suicide, SACS (Surviving After Child Suicide) and Jan Andersen Writing Services. Until recently, Jan had four children aged 20, 18, 17 and 4. Her eldest son, Kristian, tragically took his own life on 1 November 2002. Whilst campaigning for depression, suicide and drugs' awareness, Jan is writing a book on child suicide entitled, "Chasing Death".

http://www.janandersen.homestead.com

worldwriteruk@hotmail.com