How many times do you read a glowing description, only to hit the photo album and see a person who doesn’t even come close to matching? For me, it has happened several times. Why would you put the effort into describing yourself as an Angelina Jolie look alike or Orlando Bloom twin when anyone who sees the pictures knows you are not? It may very well have the reverse effect.

Someone may be interested in you from a picture, but then read a description and know it doesn’t match. First impressions online last, so your reputation will be branded as questionable, or even lying! That’s not a way to start off a relationship.

Be truthful with your description. If you have a few extra pounds to carry around, admit it. Someone may prefer those extra pounds to having a rail thin person and vice versa. And certainly don’t lie about your hair or eye color or hair amount. If someone expects you to have a thick, luxurious mane, when you meet in person and have a shiny, bald head, they may not recognize you!

There is someone to love every body type. Take care of your ‘flaws’ since they may be an asset to someone else. Just because one person likes long hair best doesn’t mean there aren’t ten more out there who love short locks. Describe yourself accurately, and if you have a hard time doing it, ask a friend to help. They will be honest with you!

When describing yourself honestly, also describe your life in truth. State how many children you have. Say where you live (not the address, but house, mom’s house, apartment or mansion). Don’t hedge about having or not having a good job. The more open you are in describing your attributes, the better chances you have of finding a suitable and lasting match.

Finding a love match is what it’s all about, so start off on the right foot. You want someone to love you for who you are, not an imaginary you!

Next week, how to put your best foot forward!

Personal Profiles First Impressions, Photo, Picture, Profile, Truth

While it might seem that online dating safety tips are the hot topic for discussion these days, are you paying attention?

The Internet is a faceless world and because of that anonymity, it can be difficult to spot someone who might not have the best intentions for a relationship – or who might be truly dangerous. You don’t have the opportunity to see their eyes or listen to their tone of voice – and honestly, you don’t really know if their name or their picture is really them.

Is online dating doomed then? Not by a long shot.

Here are some tips that you can use to make sure that you’re staying safe as you search for the right match.

• Don’t give out personal information (address, last name, workplace)
• Don’t meet up with someone too quickly
• When you do choose to meet up in person, have a friend come with you or choose a public place
• If you feel like something’s wrong, it probably is – discontinue talking to the person
• Don’t believe everything you see/hear
• When you feel that you are being harassed, let the online dating site monitors know – they can alert other members
• Establish a long running communication with a person before you decide to meet up – become friends first and then decide if you trust them enough to take it to the next level
• Be honest in your profile – don’t write things that you don’t meet (you can attract the wrong person!)

While this might all seem like common sense, the faceless nature of the Internet can make everyone seem like a great person, but this isn’t necessarily the case.

When in doubt, be safe first. There are plenty of honest people who go to online dating sites; you just have to be patient and find them.

Safety Anonymous, Dangers, Harassment, Internet, Online Safety, Photo, Trust

Are you having trouble getting any good bites on your profile? There could be any number of reasons why, from your picture to your description to your dream date themselves! Following is a series of tips to USE for your profile to increase the traffic and generate interest…in YOU!

Use a current, clear, well lit photo.

There is nothing worse than reading a creative headline only to click on it and find a dark picture. What do they look like? Could it be a match…in disguise?

Take the time to find a good picture. If you don’t have one, get a friend with a digital camera, or heck, even cell phones take good pictures now, and snap one off. Check it to make sure you are in focus, can be seen clearly in the light of day and not night and there are no obstructions to your face.

Having an outdated picture or one that is too dark, unfocused or too far away may take away potential matches. They might think you aren’t sophisticated enough to master a simple picture and give up when we know it isn’t true! Take a few minutes and check out YOUR picture. Is it up to snuff? Will it bring in hoards of girls or streams of guys? It should!

Next time: If you are overly picky with what you want in a match, you will get less results than you expect.

Personal Profiles Photo, Profile, Rules, Success, Truth