subject: Top Five Tips For Filling Out Your Profile On A Gay Dating Site [print this page] Joining a gay dating web site is one of the most convenient ways to explore dating options and meet potential mates. The major drawback is the anxiety over creating a profile. Making a meaningful connection over the computer can be tricky, especially when trying to encapsulate your entire personality into just a few paragraphs. Filling out a profile seems like an easy task, but if you fail to make both a positive and accurate impression, you may scare off the great guys and attract all of the wrong ones. When you're ready to take the dive into online dating, consider these five tips to help you put your best face forward.
1. WRITE AN ATTENTION-GRABBING HEADLINE. Avoid using generic or cliche profile headlines that won't pique interest. Incorporate keywords about either who you are or the type of man that you seek that will stand out on the page and encourage other members to seek more information about you. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to use overt sexuality to catch attention. The tone of the headline should reflect your best qualities. For instance, if you're good at making other people laugh, make sure the humor shines through.
2. PHOTOS DON'T LIE. Or, at least, they shouldn't. Appearance plays a large part in attraction, and using fake or outdated photos makes finding the right guy more difficult. Don't assume that every guy wants a Josh Hartnett or Wentworth Miller look-alike. You don't want to end a potential relationship before it even has the chance to start by being dishonest with your photo. Using an up-to-date photo ensures that the physical attraction won't fizzle out once you meet in person. Every man has his own concept of what's attractive, and your least favorite physical characteristics might be another man's turn-on.
3. DON'T BE VAGUE. If you're the type of man who knows exactly what he's looking for, let others know too. Weed out the wrong matches by making your major sexual, spiritual, physical, intellectual, and recreational preferences clear. Vagueness will only increase the number of irrelevant responses you have to wade through before getting to the good ones. But attraction (and Internet dating) isn't an exact science, so you should still be open to men who don't look like a match at first glance.
4. STAY POSITIVE. The most common way people frighten potential daters away is by making frequent references to past boyfriends or to use your entire profile to gripe about personal problems. Focus on the good things in your life and the qualities that others will find most appealing. Men reading your profile can sense negative energy right through the computer screen, so stick to neutral topics if you feel yourself straying too far into emotional territory.
5. MARKET YOURSELF. Give other men a reason to contact you by highlighting character traits or interests that make you stand out. The Internet is a place where you don't have to be shy, so don't be afraid to mention your love of black-and-white movies, impressive athletic skills, or talent at whipping up delicious Mediterranean food.
Internet dating sites are not an exact science, but keeping these five basic tips in mind when you fill out your profile should position you for success!
