The Dreaded "About Me" section

Creating your online dating profile can be very tedious to say the least. Grueling may be a better word to describe the time spent trying to be creative and unique. After reading countless profiles of both men and woman I realized I just had to be me. Sure, I love dogs and long walks on the beach, but so does a million other women. Below I have pasted my profile that I used in the past that had received a lot of attention.

                                               Profile Bio

"I throw random snowballs at friends and family. I actually enjoy mowing the yard. My last vacation consisted of sunshine, mini pool, rubber float and Rum. I love music and often drive my car while singing. I like laughing until I almost pee my pants. My dog Jesse is smarter than most people I know. I think it's funny when people fall down, BUT, I always ask if they're alright. I cry during Hallmark commercials. I always let the guy with just bread and milk go ahead of me at the store. I never liter. I always wanted to visit Grizzly Adams. I own a pool stick.I love the soft hair around a man's belly button.I know alternative medicine is hindered because of greed and politics. I like riding motorcycles and horses and the sound of an acoustic guitar. One time I actually RAN with scissors. I will never stop learning. I want a '73 Opal GT Sport & a love that I fear is too good to be true."

Ok, after reading it, did you notice the humor? That's because I am a funny and I wanted to show it. Along with my humorous side, I wanted to let my male suitors see what type of person I am. That I can be silly, but also intelligent and somewhat sensitive. The format or writing style if you will allowed me to be random while covering a lot of bases. Men that read my profile usually found at least one thing they liked about me.

So yeah, the self describing words in your profile are important, but your photo is as well. A great profile and nice photo is the winning combination. While brain-storming, remember to just relax, take a few days to jot down some odds and ends about you. When you catch yourself smiling about something remember to add what makes you smile in your profile. Also, upload only nice photos of yourself that compliment your best features. Lighting and angles are key and usually capture you at your best.

Here are a few key points to consider while creating your profile:

1. Be authentic, hiding behind a false profile is unfair to you and the reader. You would only set yourself up for failure when your date confronts you on how misleading your profile is. How humiliating would that be?
2. Let a friend take a current photo of you and help you decide which shot is best. Do not use your high school graduation photo and please do not use your camera phone to capture you in front of the bathroom mirror. That only depicts you as alone and desperate.
3. If you enjoy some of the typical interest of men/woman make sure to mention that. For example, If you like sports, hunting or big trucks add that to your profile. That common factor might be the eye catcher for the man of your dreams!


Before and during the First date: 10 steps to your safety

1. When conversing with someone that may lead to a potential date, make sure to get their name, email and whereabouts. Use their county, state, etc. so that you may do a little research. Be casual when attempting to collect information though, don't want him to think you are paranoid.
2. Use a few different search engines typing in their email address. Its amazing how much you can learn by seeing the sites that they are affiliated with. (I have canceled a few dates after doing this.)
3. Tell a friend: When and where you’re going and as much information about your date as you can.
4. Make sure you have a cell phone with you at all times for obvious reasons.
5. Stay sober: It's easy to get tipsy or beyond when you are nervous, but don't, you need to stay focused and aware at all times.
6. Drive your own car: It's your prerogative to come and go as you please.
7.  Always meet in public: When preparing to meet someone make sure you do so in a well lit, neutral location. A place with other people around, for example, restaurant,  busy park and the like.
8. Keep your personal information safe, ex., driver's license. At this point, your exact address is private.
9. Stay in the public location, even if you feel pressured or even attracted to your date. There's plenty of time   for "My place or yours" down the road.

And for number "10"
Relax and have fun. Most of the above precautions are common sense so you don't have to be some great multi-tasker. Practice the tips above without being preoccupied and enjoy yourself. If the guy/girl is not right for you and you know that right away then politely thank them for the date and excuse yourself. No sense wasting your time or theirs, besides there are so many fish in the sea so never settle for less.

Happy Hunting!!