Seven Online Dating Mistakes in Profiles

The first time I tried online dating I was terrified. The second time I was frustrated. The third time was better because I got the attention I wanted. This happened because I took the time to experiment with my profile, ask my friends what they were doing and read-up on the topic.

As a favor to yourself, don't make the same mistakes as me.

Mistake Number One: Ignoring the Competition Weeks went by before I looked at another woman's profile. It didn't occur to me to compare myself to others and one-up my competition. If of women in my zip code have a picture of themselves at a baseball game, then shouldn't I make myself stand out by posting a picture of myself playing the game?

Mistake Number Two: Your Photo Never Changed I picked a new photo and changed my profile a bit every couple of weeks after I found a guy whose profile stayed exactly the same for months. Even though I liked the guy, I didn't write him because I thought if his profile was the same for so long, then he wasn't interested in impressing anyone. I realized that I should spice up my profile from time to time so I didn't get passed by more than once.

Mistake Number Three: The Wrong Photo Uploaded It's odd to have pictures of your ex or a friend of the opposite sex hanging or hugging on you. Since it's safe to assume we've all been in relationships and have flirty friends, avoid pictures where its obvious someone has been cut out or where someone is a little too friendly.

Nice try, but pictures of you with babies or puppies is cheap.

The photos of you in your bathing suit should, of course, be avoided. You're hot and want to tell someone, which is great, but keep it classy.

Mistake Number Four: Writing a Novel Five-hundred and eighty words describing your ideal date is too much for our attention spans. Written portions in your profile should never be too long. In the second, third, and fourth e-mails to your match it's ok to write a novel because that will certainly let that person know you're interested.

Mistake Number Five: Played a Broken Record Make yourself sound unique by focusing on your distinctive attributes like, for instance, the fact that your eyes change from hazel to green depending on your outfit. Avoid clich phrases like "I'm laid back" or "My friends say I'm..." Making yourself stand out may be the most important aspect of an online profile.

Mistake Number Six: Wire Your Heart on Your Sleeve Keep your heartbreak to yourself-no one cares that you are getting over someone or that you've been hurt before. Your suitors will be scared away if you say things like: "After a horrible break-up, I'm looking to have fun" or "After so many Mr. Wrongs, I'm looking for Mr. Right." No one wants to get involved with someone new who obviously has baggage.

Mistake Number Seven: No Second Opinion For a small fee, a profile writing service can help you write your profile. If that's not an option you should definitely ask a friend to review what you've written because, let's be honest, it's hard to write about yourself.

The outcome of dating will only be positive if you keep realistic expectations and the right attitude. Online dating is not hard, and shouldn't be scary.

Article Source: http://www.articles.ask-me-about.com

About the Author: Sara Musfeldt has a website filled with dating stories and dating profile tips for everyone. She has also produced an online dating advice to help single people everywhere find a date.