Your Online Dating Profile: What NOT to Do
1. Use words you can’t spell. A poorly crafted profile full of spelling errors or punctuation mistakes comes across as sloppy, and may even give the wrong impression of you. Before you post, cut and paste your profile into a word processing programme that will check spelling for you.
2. Give too much information. Your profile is meant to give other online dating site users a brief glimpse into your personality, not read like a complete autobiography. Provide the essentials and a few charming details, but keep it short. Anyone who’s interested will want to learn more about you on their own.
3. Be negative. The tone of your profile is important, and a page that is overly negative or pessimistic is sure to be passed over. Instead of focusing on the things you don’t like or that drive you mad, highlight your passions and the things you enjoy.
4. Talk about work or your family. If you spend all your space describing your harrowing work schedule or complex family responsibilities it might send the message that you simply don’t have time for a new relationship. Certainly mention your job or your kids, but don’t overdo it.
5. Be shady or vague. You want to give the impression that you’re mysterious and alluring, so you use veiled language or innuendo; potential mates just perceive you as dishonest and untrustworthy. A few well-placed and specific details will make you seem more interesting and will motivate potential suitors to find out more about you.
