People often consider online dating when they are looking for a mate. If you are considering online dating, you will want to be aware of a few dos and don'ts.
First, not all dating sites are created equal, so to speak. Some cater to people looking for a casual relationship or for just sex, while others are designed for people looking for serious relationships. If you want a serious relationship, you'll want to use a website that is designed for finding serious partners.
One such site is eHarmony. This site requires that new members fill out very extensive questionnaires that ask for all sorts of information. They then use this information to match people up with others who share similar lifestyles, goals, and beliefs.
To maximize your chances of success in online dating, here are some tips:
Use a natural-looking photo of yourself in your program. The best way to get attention for your profile is with the right photo. Never use a fake photo though, it is dishonest and the person you later meet will be understandably angry. Don't use a photo of you looking exceptionally great either, you don't want to encourage disappointment.
Photos that have been retouched, or are unusually perfect or are out of date, are a bad idea. Your goal should be to choose a flattering photo that looks like you will look when you meet a person for your first date. If you don't look like that any more, or don't look like that without a professional makeup artist and hairstylist helping you, choose a different photo. Do always put up a photo though. The primary reason that people don't get responses to their profiles is because of not having a photo.
Your bio also needs careful planning. You want to write just enough to get someone's interest and give a glimpse of your personality. Err on the side of brevity; short is better than long. A longwinded bio says to a reader that you are self-absorbed, not an attractive trait. Always be honest in your bio as well.
You may be tempted to include more information because you think that this increases your chances of attracting the right person. Not true. You can actually turn someone off if you come across as tiresome or long-winded.
Other people are not as interested in you as you are. Don't think that they will consider your details interesting. Aim for just enough to get someone to want to know more instead of so much that all curiosity is satisfied. Whatever you do post should be accurate and honest.