Writing a dating profile is so hard. Even professional writers find writing a dating profile for themselves hard. Why is it so so difficult? The answer lies in our own self image and self expression. When we look at ourselves, we rarely see the qualities our friends and other people see in us. Many of are very much aware of what we perceive as flaws, our own insecurities and self doubt. Without signing up for a dating profile writing service or dating coach, what can you do to make you dating profile reflect the real you, and stand out from all the others? Check out my ten tips for dating profile awesomeness.
1) Get a pad and pen. You are going to create a model profile that you can refer back to when it gets tough. Think of a good friend or family member, and write down an answer for each question as if you were filling it out for them. Filling one out for someone else is a great exercise for how to make the most of yourself on paper. For those we care about, we don't pull any punches! When you write your own profile, treat yourself as you would someone you care about.
2) Now you have warmed up with the above exercise let's think about your own profile. Read the model profile again. Now keeping this in sight look at the first question and think how that person would answer it on your behalf. If you can ask them, all the better! For each question in the profile, look at it as that friend was answering it about you. What would they say?
3) Dating profile cliches.
"I love to travel"
"I like nights in and going out"
"I love long walks on the beach"
Do not use these! Avoid bland, generic, sweeping statements. Use specific pieces of information that illustrate what you want to say instead. What do you love about travel? The excitement and anticipation at the airport? Experiencing new cuisines and cultures - which ones?
How do you spend nights in and out? What are the feelings you experience, and the atmosphere?
What excites your senses during long walks at the beach?
Use the profile as an opportunity to reveal your personality, and evoke feelings in the reader. Describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings is a powerful hook that engages your reader.
4) Do not underestimate the power of a user name. Give it some thought, and think how it will be perceived. If you can use your user name to subtly attract people who are into a certain hobby or genre of media, it can be a fantastic hook. Use a little known character from your favourite book or film, or reference something that will only make sense to kindred spirits.
5) Keep it positive! Don't talk about how badly you have been treated by previous partners or people never messaging back.
Don't have a long list of what you are not looking for in a partner. Negativity creates a barrier between the writer and the reader. Focus on what you are looking for in a partner, in a positive manner rather than prescriptive. How would the ideal person make you feel, what would you enjoy doing together?
Good luck and happy dating!