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Some useful tips on avoiding the classic mistakes when creating a profile on a Internet dating website

Age

When it comes to your age the important thing is to not tell the truth. People expect you to lie so do. In general most people don't car how old you are instead they care how old you look. (See next section on Photos)

Photo

Choose a good photo, preferably one from ten years ago when you didn't have a double chin and thinning hair. If you're worried about your haircut in an old picture looking dated simply photo shop a contemporary hairstyle, maybe from a celebrity magazine, on top of your old one. And when you do meet up with your date, make sure you're wearing the same outfit that you have on in your picture. People like people who only have one set of clothes. It makes them easily recognisable in a large crowd.

Sex

Simply put your gender here. Do not put "yes please" or "anywhere I can get it".

Location

If you live in the ghetto it might be advisable to leave that detail out of your profile. Use descriptions that are open to interpretation like, "colourful urban area with bags of character near central Los Angeles". But don't be too vague, "an undisclosed location somewhere in the northern hemisphere" may sound romantic and enigmatic but this may put people off because of it inaccessibility on public transport.

Likes

I would advise against anything to do with food. We all like chocolate but a potential date is likely to think you are hideously obese. If you do want to mention food put down that you like salads. This has a second benefit because it implies you will be a cheap date.

Dislikes

The best option here is to stick to politically correct socially acceptable dislikes such as fox hunting or pollution. Don't list off every person who's ever wronged you. If someone dates you they are going to want to know that if they break up with you that you aren't going to harass/stalk/murder/ them.

Interests

Choose things that other people can be involved in like "the outdoors", "art" or "swinging". Avoid specialist subjects. For example, you may think that your NASCAR commemorative plate collection makes you a fascinating and desirable character. Unfortunately it does not.

Looking For

Anything with a pulse/rich old man with weak heart/Ted Bundy look-alike. Be honest with what you're looking for and you'll filter out the ones that won't be of interest to you. Try to avoid using "handsome" or "beautiful" when describing what you're looking for. These are wasted words since it is obvious no one wants to date someone who is ugly.

Good luck with your romantic endeavours and remember if in doubt simply lie.

Learn more about this author, Reeves Peterson.
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