Writing a Great Online Dating Profile- A Woman's Guide

You have joined an online dating service. Now you must write that all-important dating profile. You know, the one that will the attract attention of the man of your dreams. Where to start? What to write?

Maybe writing isn't exactly your cup of tea. Relax, you can do this.

Get a pen and paper ready, or open your typing document. You are going to make a draft online dating profile. Really, it's not that hard.

The picture is the FIRST thing men see. Post a good snap-shot that depicts the real you, now (not ten years ago). And please smile. Some online dating sites even provide you with a list of photographers in your area that specialize in online dating site photos.

Be honest. Maybe you once had a super-model figure, but if you don't look that way now, don't say you do. Nothing ruins a would-have-been great relationship than to be caught with a lie.

Next, create an attention-grabbing headline. Make it short, descriptive and catchy. A good headline should build interest and make someone want to read more. It might help to study headlines in other personal profiles and see which ones attract your attention.

Describe the type of person you are looking for, without being excessively demanding. Stating that you want the man to be six-feet tall, handsome and with at least $100,000 income will only turn men off.

When describing the kind of man you are looking for go beyond physical attributes. Go for personality and qualities.

Now, describe yourself. Know and say what you want. Remember that you are looking for that man who will like, or better still, love you; the real you. All the same, avoid "this is me whether you like it or not" attitude.

Don't be overly suggestive as this might give someone the wrong impression. And don't hype yourself: An over-blown ego is a quick turn-off.

Be as descriptive as possible about yourself as possible. If you love cats and will always want to own one or more, someone who hates cats or is allergic to them is not the guy for you.

Tell the things what makes you unique. If you play the piano well, you really want Mr. Right to appreciate it. If you are a gym rat, a couch potato may not be a good match. If you love art, you really don't want a man who thinks Picasso is an ice cream flavor.

Don't forget that you are "talking" to strangers. Don't reveal too much about yourself. Creating a little mystery might even help.

Never give information that might reveal your real name, place of work or address in a dating profile.

Once you have your draft profile ready, clean and polish it. Correct any grammatical and spelling errors. Keep the tone conversational and personal. Invest some reasonable time in building a great online dating profile. It could reward you, big.

About the author:

David Kamau is webmaster of http://e-datecentral.com, which reviews dating site. Find out which dating sites are worth signing up with at http://e-datecentral.com/dating_services/index.htm

Flirting Tips for Men: Mastering the Art of Online Flirting

Flirting online can be difficult. This mainly is because flirting has always been physical, involving body language such as eye-contact, smiling etc. Flirting through a modem therefore poses a certain challenge. But it can be done.

Flirting is an art that requires oozing confidence without being OTT (Over The Top). Many of the same things work for online flirting as in "brick and mortar" flirting. A delicate balance born of insight as well as experience is still required. Why?

Well, go too far and she will label you "slimy". Don't go far enough and she will label you "wimpy". So how do you achieve that point half way between slimy and wimpy and do it online without using eye contact or body language?

1. Have fun! Flirting is playful. Be light-hearted, funny and entertaining. But, don't go too far with humor at the beginning. Try to gauge what kind of humor you can get away with.

2. Keep it simple. Use short emails or messages, and day to day conversational language.

3. Ooze confidence. Successful flirts have a positive outlook on life, which is often infectious. You need to transmit the "feel good" factor. Women have always been attracted to confident, optimistic men.

4. Listen to her. Pay attention to what she says and ask appropriate questions. Successful flirts often use their "third ear". What is that? It is listening beyond what is spoken, or in our case, reading between the lines of her messages. Make her feel like she is interesting and that you are interested in her.

5. Compliment her. And be sincere. Nothing opens doors like making her feel good about herself. Look for something unique or subtle to compliment her about. Beautiful women often grow tired of being told they are beautiful.

6. Avoid sexual overtones. Flirting does not have to include being sexual suggestions and innuendos: this might actually turn her.

7. Send an email after you chat. This ranks right up there with sending a thank you note for a gift and it is vital to successful online flirting.

Take it slow. Don't try to go too fast. Remember you are only a click away from being shut out. Done right, online flirting can be the first step to a successful and long-lasting relationship.

About the author:
David Kamau is webmaster of http://e-datecentral.com, which reviews websites. Get best-selling dating, romance and relationships ebooks free at: http://e-datecentral.com/subscribe.htm

Blind Date versus Internet Date: Which One?

Picture this. Your friend has decided that you need help with your social life. She sets you up a date with someone you have never met nor have any idea what they look like. You have just got yourself a blind date. But wait. The real "fun" has barely begun.

Simply described, a blind date is a date between people who have never met and know little or nothing about each other. Typically, it is set up by one person who knows both parties.

Let's say you accept to go on the date. Now there you are sitting in a Mexican restaurant eating heavily garnished Mexican food that you don't have the stomach for. You both look at each other, neither one knowing where to begin, or how to break the ice so to speak.

The entrée has not yet been served. His idea of enlightened conversation, if he finds a way to start, is who will be in the final four…you don't really care. He knows the weekly TV schedule to the letter which tells you he has a bit too much time on his hands.

You try to tell him about you. About that marathon you are preparing for and your volunteer work. He says, "Volunteering is a waste of time because you can't help 'those people' anyway." You will have to end this pretty soon before one of you ends up in jail for killing the other.

Granted, not all blind dates end in disaster. But the very "blindness" adds to the recipe.

Now imagine a date with someone you met through internet dating and have been chatting online and exchanging emails with for quite some time.

First, you don't need to be introduced. You already "know" this him, his interests and hobbies. And he "knows" you too. You are sitting in an Italian restaurant enjoying a delightful meal because you both know that the other's favorite is Italian.

The conversation flows easily as you discuss common interests- after all this date is a result of a compatible match. He runs marathons and loves history just like you do. You happily discuss the volunteer work that each of you is involved in. You look at your watch and discover that it is late…very late (how time flies!).

While not all online dates necessarily end up on a happy note, the scales are tipped heavily in favor of an internet date versus a blind date. Need I say more?

About the author :
David Kamau is webmaster of http://e-datecentral.com If you're looking for more dating information, then check out http://e-datecentral.com/dating_advice/index.htm Updated regularly with the latest advice.

Establishing Internet Relationships: Safety First

Online dating can be fun. But while establishing internet relationships, don't neglect safety and common sense when you try to hook up with a mate. At minimum, take caution in the following areas.

Protect Your Computer

This is one which we tend to forget. Your personal safety comes first, but when dating online, there is a chance that someone could grab at you through the computer screen. How?

Spy-ware, Trojan horses and other malicious software could sneak into your computer without your knowledge. Before long, some stranger might know more about and your surfing habits than you would dare to think.

Not only that but, your computer could experience a system crash or start acting funny (and not in a humorous way).

Take care of your equipment and systems before you head out into the Internet realm. You need to have a firewall and anti-virus protection for your email and for when you search websites and interact online.

At the bare minimum, you need two forms of protective software:

1. A Firewall: Helps keep destructive or malicious wares from entering your system or network

2. Anti-Virus: Helps to stop and/or clean computer viruses

Protect Yourself

Next, you need to take care of yourself. Your personal safety is the most important aspect in establishing internet relationships. After all, you are dealing with strangers. So, how do you protect yourself?

Begin by choosing appropriate dating sites. Seek and choose a reputable online dating service.

You could start by asking around with friends and relatives neighbors, co-workers and others you may know who have tried internet relationships for recommendations. But be aware that dating sites tend to be tailored to meet specific needs, and what may be right for your friend may not necessarily be so for you.

Alternatively, you could do your own research. Do a search for "online dating services" with your favorite search engine. And take notes.

Among the things to look for are addresses or website links, the fees, rules and regulations, complete contact information of each and any other useful information that spikes your interest. Then compare each site. This could be tedious and time-consuming work.

An easier way around is to read objective dating site reviews on the internet. These will give you, at least, a summary of what to expect.

Success in internet relationships should never be left to chance. Neither should your personal safety. Try only those places where you feel safe. Avoid the others. So take care. Arm your computer - and yourself- with the correct tools and knowledge!

About the author:
David Kamau is webmaster of: http://e-datecentral.com which reviews dating sites. Receive free online dating, relationships, and romance ebooks at http://www.e-datecentral.com/subscribe2.htm

Christian Dating Online: Worth Trying?

In this day and age, as people get more content at letting the internet play matchmaker, Christian dating online continues to gain acceptance and popularity. But is it worth trying?

The internet is one of the safest portals for meeting other people for dating or a serious relationship. And with online dating trends gravitating towards specialty and community-based dating, we see an increase in the number of sites catering to Christian online dating.

There are advantages to this phenomenon. Some of the advantages include:

1. Wide net: You can search thousands of profiles of people sharing the same faith. There's a vast Christian network that has varied interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes. The big number gives you a better chance of finding one that you like.

2. Christian dating online provides a very comfortable environment and- though you still must exercise caution and commonsense- is considered safe. The online dating community is a place where you can create lasting relationships for acquaintance, friendship, companionship, romance, and can even lead to a permanent commitment.

3. In a Christian online dating site, the center is spirituality. People here believe they have filtered out the dates with people who may not share the same set of values. If you are joining a Christian online dating site, you'll know what you can expect.

4. You can narrow the field even farther down to an even more specific faith such as Catholic, Latter Day Saints (Mormon), Seventh Day Adventists etc.

5. You can be specific as to the level of religious commitment, to match your own. To some people going to church every Sunday may be deemed "Christian" enough; for others it could be more or less.

A Christian online dating website should include chat rooms where you can have fun discussions, both personal and biblical. In most sites, you can also post memos and notes on message boards and share pictures with photo galleries. And of course, you can send personal messages to private mail boxes.

Many dating websites also feature instant messaging and voice introductions for a more personal touch. Some of the Christian websites even offer Christian dating services aside from online matching.

Indeed, dating a stranger sharing your beliefs would be more reassuring than starting with somebody who does not share the same principles.

And as implied, the online society is Christ-centered. And by association, Christ is all pure love and kindness. If you join the group, this indicates you support Christian values and standards. Meeting the love of your life could be a possibility!

The Christian community now utilizes this current trend of communication to widen their reach and to create a fun-loving environment. Christian dating online has proved to be very effective for most people who participate with friendships and often blooms into serious relationships.

About the author :
David Kamau is webmaster of http://www.e-datecentral.com which reviews dating sites. To find reputable Christian online dating sites go to: http://e-datecentral.com/personals/christian.htm

Writing an Online Dating Profile: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing an online dating profile, there pitfalls that you should avoid as they may well cost you love of your life. Some common pitfalls include:

1. Laundry List:

Yes, complex beings we are, with wide and varied interests. But you don't need to put each and every one of them in your profile. Four to five activities that mean most to you and are integral to your life suffice.

2. Shopping List:

This is related to 1 above, only that you make a long list of demands that your prospect must have or meet. Some online dating profile lists of demands simply cannot be met by someone from planet earth. Be realistic.

3. Lies:

The biggest complaint about online dating is about all the liars out there. People lie about their marital status, age, profession, income and so on. These lies eventually catch up with them, inflicting deep wounds and even lifetime scars on either or both parties. Be honest.

2. TMI (Too Much Information):

Don't spill every little detail about yourself in your ad.

First, if you lay everything out on the table right away, you'll have a hard time finding things to talk about later.

Second, a little mystery in a relationship helps strengthen the interest in both parties. Take your time in finding out more about each other.

3. Bragging:

Nobody likes a show-off. But how, you might ask, do you write positively about yourself without sounding arrogant? Well, be objective as opposed to being subjective. Avoid self-aggrandizing commentaries like, "I look great", "I am successful", "I have a great sense of humor", and so on.

4. Clichés and Other Overused Phrases:

Guess what? Almost everyone enjoys "fine dining" and "long walks on a moonlit beach". You're not inviting a response when you list things like this. Using these phrases will make you seem unimaginative, if not outright boring. Put some thought into what you really enjoy doing and list things that make you stand out from the crowd.

5. Loser Words and Phrases:

Avoid using any of the following words or phrases in your personal profile:

a) "I'm tired of being alone" - This paints you as desperate and can set you up for responses by manipulative people.

b) "If you want more info, ask" - The whole response/reply process assumes this. Adding this line indicates laziness on your part to think about the content of your ad.

c) "I'm honest" - Even the most compulsive of liars won't admit to being one, so there's really no point in saying this.

d) "I'm no good at these things" - Few people consider themselves particularly gifted in writing personal ads. Like a) above, this reads like unmotivated filler text.

e) "I can't believe I'm doing this." Well, guess what, you are! Get real.

6. Shouting:

Typing in all capital letters is not only hard on the eyes, but also annoying to most readers. Also, on the Internet this is considered shouting. DON'T SHOUT! (See what I'm saying?).

7. Sexual Innuendo:

Save the sex talk for later communication, when you and your date become more comfortable with each other. What you intend as a cute remark may inadvertently be taken the wrong way.

8. Berating Former Relationships or Partners:

Almost everybody has gone through a relationship that just didn't work out (I doubt there's anybody who hasn't). Don't whine about what you didn't get out of your last relationship. This is not the time or place to vent.

9. Unfamiliar Words:

Don't try to show off vocabulary you do not have. The easier to read your personal profile is the better. Conversation-style writing that brings out your personality works best.

10. Negativity:

You want to come across positively. Talk about your positive aspects and traits. Leave the negative behind.

There you have ten common pitfalls to avoid when writing an online dating profile. And while you are at it, don't forget to check your spelling and grammar.

About the author

David Kamau offers objective dating site reviews and online dating tips at his website. Now find out how to receive free best-selling ebooks on Romantic Ideas and tips about dating.