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There has been a lot said about what you should include, so I'd like to cover what NOT to include in your online profile. Your profile is your first impression. You don't want to attract the wrong type of person or turn people off.

First we'll cover your online nickname using actual examples seen online. Do not pick an overly cheesy, sexual (unless that's what you want), scary, or cryptic nickname. Nobody wants to play the license plate game online so things like 'IdBAGr8D84U' should be avoided. Most people don't want to seek a relationship with someone named 'LordImpaler', 'thighlips', or 'slurpee' (these are actual nicknames used by people). To the man who used 'realman4u' as his nickname, please let US decide if you are worthy of the title before you give it to yourself.

The next thing to think about is the photo. Do not include a shot of you in your apartment with Playboy's on the coffee table and porn DVDs in the background. It's probably not a good idea of you to take a picture of you with your ex and try to clip them out...we can still see her arm around your waist. The picture of you and your friends from your senior trip to Myrtle Beach where you are flexing/doing a keg stand/giving a body shot/etc. should not be used...reality is that you don't look the same anymore anyway. Model poses such as the popular 'deep thought' stance should really only be used if you actually ARE a model. Pick a picture that shows what you honestly look like.

When filling out your interests and likes/dislikes be as honest as possible. Do not put something you think the opposite sex wants to hear. You could end up in some very scary situations by lying on your profile. Do not include too much information either. The profile is just an introduction so telling them about your irritable bowl syndrome is not necessary at this juncture. All of your quirks and idiosyncrasies won't matter once they get to know you, but reading about your fascination with serial killers may tend to scare them off at first.

The bottom line is to just be yourself. You, the real you, is who the person is going to end up with anyway. Prepare you profile with one thing in mind: What you see is what you get.

Learn more about this author, Kelley D.
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