Online dating profiles Ok, I admit it. I've had my share of online dating in the past few years, and I think it's about time I give some advice on how we (men) look at the profiles, as well as some suggestions on how to make them more enticing if that is something you are interested in.

* Pictures: Make sure they have been taken within the past 6 months. Don't put up that perfect college pic if that's no longer what you look like. Also, if you want a reasonable response, close-ups of face, body parts, etc. do not count. Make sure they are full body pics!

* Names: DO NOT use a cheesy name - I had a blog post once that listed some of the funniest, craziest names I've ever heard, and they all sounded the same. Be clever, and come up with something memorable or unique that best represents who you are.

* Profiles: Again, one day you will probably meet someone you really like in real life. Don't embellish too much, or flat out lie about what you like and don't like. It will be discovered eventually!

* General information: Women, I know you probably don't ever go through other women's profiles, but DO IT. Read what others in your area and age range say about themselves. Learn from your "competition". And be memorable. As a guy reading through these profiles, by #10 you start to realize that they all sound exactly the same!

* Likes/dislikes: This is going to be a very general statement, so please do not bite my head off for it. Most guys out there are looking for women who look, act, write, speak, and are proud to be very feminine. If you're not into things that guys are, say it, but phrase it in such a way that will present you as open to new experiences or just hanging out with a guy that loves something you absolutely hate.

* In conclusion: If you want an honest, funny, masculine guy, make it easier on yourself. Be honest. Be clever. Be unique. Be feminine. Have a great sense of humor. We should be enjoying these times of meeting people and dating! It's supposed to be fun, right? :)

-SGB  ¶ 11:01 AM

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