Jen Doan says that these six tips will improve your online dating game ten-fold.
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The online dating scene has allowed us to become picky. Women have a smorgasbord of options in front of them. As a culture, we are more discerning than ever when it comes to finding a partner. Because, why not? We can afford to be choosy.
In the end, it’s going to be your winning personality and effortless charm that wins her over, but you’ll have to get her to agree to the date before you can show her what a gem you are.
So, how do you make yourself seen in the ocean of potential mates?
Being yourself is always solid advice, but if you feel like you need a few extra pointers, here’s a few things no self respecting gentleman should leave out of his online dating profile.
An Interesting Username
This is the first foot you put forward.
It should tell her something about you and not come across as creepy or crazy. youwillbemine69, probably not the best choice.
When in doubt, think of any mundane fact about yourself and use that.
My name is Ted. I like blue. = Tedlikesblue
It’s not rocket science, but it is the first thing she’ll take under scrutiny. It just needs to check off the “I probably won’t find a gun in his closet” box, and you’re all good to go.
Photos
This is, by far, the most important part of your profile. It may be shallow, but it’s just the way it goes. Your photo is the number one thing that will be judged.
First off, you must have photos. You can’t get away with being that weird androgynous logo with the question mark face. He just isn’t sexy.
You also can’t get away with a photo of your dog, your car, your abs or an extreme close up of your face that only shows your left eye (yes, I’ve seen all of these).
If you don’t have any decent photos, you need to get some (no selfies). Ask a friend to take a few shots, in a well-lit area. Anyone with an iPhone4 or higher should be up to the challenge.
Confidence
They weren’t lying when they said it was key.
You have to walk that fine line between confident and egotistical. Be proud of your accomplishments, but don’t be afraid to make fun of yourself a little. She wants to know that she isn’t going to end up sitting across from you, listening to you recite your resume all night.
That being said, veer away from any self-deprecating speech. We all have our insecurities, but you want to project the best version of you. It’s best to stay positive, as this is her first introduction to you.
Make ‘Em Laugh
You don’t have to be a comedian, but humor is an absolutely essential part of a dating profile. This can be tough, if funny doesn’t come naturally, but it doesn’t have to be anything over the top. A fun story about your childhood can break the ice and keep her interested.
“When I was 6, I stuck 12 peas up my nose, so I wouldn’t have to eat my vegetables. I tried the same thing with my financial reports last week, but it didn’t go over as well with the boss.”
Ambition
Like something. Anything.
Passion is very sexy.
It doesn’t matter if you have a love scented candles and you’ve collected almost every possible scent from Pier 1. As long as it’s interesting to you, it will be interesting to her. You just have to talk passionately about it. It’s good to show that you have other interests beside your job. Otherwise she may think that she’ll have to entertain you all the time.
Make your excitement for the double wicked spiced-pear candle known!
Trustworthiness
Again, as much as possible, through a computer screen, let her know that you’re not a murderer. Very important.
And if you are a murderer, this is how to hide the fact that you’re a murderer…
The best way to show that you’re a trustworthy person, is to divulge something real about yourself. Show some vulnerability. Tell us about your dog that died in the sixth grade. How did it make you feel? Because if it was anything but sadness, she’ll know that you’re trying to buy her a one-way ticket to Murder Town. In Murder Town, the tickets are always one-way.
Disclaimer: It’s very unlikely that you will be murdered while online dating. Play safe. Meet in public spaces and don’t go into the bushes with anyone you don’t trust. You’ll be fine.
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Men have it tough when it comes to dating, there’s no doubt about that. But as long as you follow these general guidelines, you should be able to attract the type of woman that you are looking for.
It’s important to stand out from the crowd. Ladies have their pick of the proverbial litter. So, make sure you’re the cutest puppy… because, you know what happens to the runt… Murder Town.
If you find you are overwhelmed with the idea of talking about yourself, not to worry. I’m here to lend a hand. Because no one wants to read another profile that starts with “I never know what to say on these things…”
See you online!
Jen
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Jen is the owner and founder of dateable.ca, a company devoted to making you more dateable.
This post originally appeared at Dateable.ca
Photo courtesy of DepositPhotos.com
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