Online Dating Tips

12 Tips To Pen Perfect Profiles

by Randy B. Hecht

"Gorgeous, buff, world-traveling, gourmet-cooking, independently wealthy, philanthropic, affectionate, commitment-minded and otherwise flawless PhD seeks same."

There. See how simple that was?

This is how profiles work. Or would — if we all were so perfect. The rest of us need just a little help. If you're struggling to create a new free profile or reinvent your old one, consider our 12 hot tips to make your profile sizzle:

1. Be upbeat

From the headline to the last sentence, make sure you sound like someone who would be fun to know. Let us know from the beginning how lucky we are to have found you!

2. Be positive

Avoid negative statements when you present your qualities and those you seek in a match. Talk about your likes rather than your dislikes.

3. Excite us

Don't just spell out a laundry list of your interests. Tell us what grabs you and why.

4. Be revealing

The values that matter most to you probably are most important to your soul mate, too. Put them out there so the two of you will recognize each other right away.

5. Be honest

Current photos; accurate descriptions of your height, body type, smoking and drinking habits and marital status will attract someone to the real you — not a fantasy you can't deliver.

6. Be realistic

Need to drop ten pounds? Be open to dating someone who does, too. Remember the story about the king who searched the world for the perfect woman only to be rejected by her. She was looking for the perfect man!

7. Be kind

Remember, there's no telling who will come along to steal your heart. A welcoming profile that makes you seem accessible and open to the unexpected could open up a world of new contacts to you — including the one contact you've been waiting for.

8. Make us laugh

Your profile isn't a stand-up comedy routine. But if you can get a laugh, or at least a smile, out of those who read it, you're likely to get an email, too.

9. Generate some heat

Sure, it's a little early to reveal your every fantasy. But by showing your humor, your romantic side and your personal warmth, you can be sexy on-screen.

10. Go for quality

Your qualities, that is. As opposed to your possessions. That'll increase your odds of finding someone who appreciates a good listener, a kind heart and knockout kisses. Or do you prefer someone who most appreciates you for your salary and stash of frequent flier miles?

11. Be an individual

Nobody; seriously, nobody ; will read your profile and say, "Finally! Someone else who likes walks on the beach and is comfortable in jeans or evening wear!"

12. Post a photo

Yeah, yeah. We're all shallow. Get over it — people like to connect a face with the words. That's why Match profiles with photos get eight times more responses than those without one. And make it a well-focused, close-up shot so that smile and those eyes don't escape anyone's attention!

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Randy B Hecht writes for Match, the ultimate online dating site.

• More online dating tips and quizzes by Randy B. Hecht