Writing a profile for an online dating service sounds easy. Most dating sites have broken the profile down into sections to make it even easier. However, many find it surprisingly difficult to know what to write when faced with headlines, such as: “Describe Yourself” and “Describe What You Are Looking For”.

Before the rambling begins, take a minute to think about it. Read through other profiles first and make notes about the things that stood out, and whether or not those things had a positive impact or a negative one. It is important to keep in mind that what you write in your profile not only sends a message about who you are, but it will also determine who you will attract.

There are several red flags to watch out for when creating the perfect profile. For instance, watch out for the use of negative words or phrases, such as “will not”, “do not”, “never”, “hate”, etc. Common sense should tell you not to say things like, “I do not want any drama, or someone who lies and cheats.” This should be a given. Have you ever seen a profile in which someone IS looking for a person who does these things? No one wants to be in a relationship with someone who lies and/or cheats. There is no need to state the obvious. Along the same lines, it is not a good idea to write about past relationships, or the reasons why the last relationship ended. Again, it should be obvious, but trash talking an ex will not get a positive response. You do not want the first impression to be negative in any way.

If, by chance, there is a part of your life or lifestyle that may be viewed as negative, keep in mind that you can use creative language to put a positive spin on the situation while remaining truthful. For example, if you live with your parents, perhaps say that you are currently living with two roommates. If nothing else, you should get points for having a sense of humor. If you do not have a job, it could be said that you are in the process of making a career change. A creative way to spin the fact that you do not have a car would be to say that you have gone ‘green’, so to speak, and doing your part to save the environment.

Let’s face it. There are certain crucial things that everyone wants to know about a potential mate before investing any real effort into starting a relationship. Jobs, finances, children, living situation, cars, addictions, criminal record, etc. are just the tip of the dating iceberg. You do not want to be too vague, but at the same time, it is important to create some mystery by not divulging too many details.

You are marketing yourself with the dating profile. You want to generate enough interest to initiate a date request. Leave them wanting to know more. Throw in that you have a unique hobby, but that only those close to you know what it is. Or, one strategy that seems to work well is to include some sort of trivia question in the profile somewhere. Quote a movie, and suggest that anyone who can name the movie will get to pick the restaurant where you will meet for your first date. Whatever you decide to write in your profile, keep in mind that you should be as specific about yourself as the type of person you are hoping to meet.