Online dating??
Find a Conversation
Online dating??
| Wed, 07-27-2005 - 3:58pm |
Can anyone let me know what to expect with online dating? I am nervous, skeptical and a little embarrassed. I don't know exactly how it works and how to make the most of it. I also don't know if it works. Please shed some light or any type of advice would be wonderful!
Thanks!!
Thanks!!

Pages
OK - since the whole point of a profile is to make ourselves shine and stand out, I'm going to have a heavy hand here. Please don't be offended, and feel free to ignore anything I've said:
<<>>
Get rid of "My friends say". Actually - get rid of the whole first sentence. It doesn't say anything about who you are, unless your friends actually KNOW Jennifer Aniston and can really compare you to her. If it's just looks that are similar, you have a cute picture on your profile (not a member anymore, can't view your other pics) and a guy can determine for himself if he likes your looks.
"I am laid back and always ready to try new things."
Laid back indicates couch potato, or doormat. I wouldn't use it. What new things are you ready to try? You need to be specific, because that could mean a menage a trois or it could mean cliff diving.
"I look at life as an adventure."
Axe it. It's in 503,297 other profiles.
"I love all types of music."
Really? Do you LOVE twee, ska, acid rock, goth, classical, groove, surf rock, funk, hip hop, rap and oldies? Be more specific, or list your top 5 favorite cd's. Unless you really do love ALL types of music. Remember, you are trying to make it clear who you are and what kind of person you want to attract! So far, you're gonna get hit on by a goth who wants to have group sex and has a Jennifer Aniston fetish. ;)
"Originally from Asheville, N.C., I love the mountains."
What do you love about the mountains? Hiking in them? Wildlife or birdwatching? Drawing or painting them?
"Atlanta is fun and exciting, but I often wish I was back home."
Axe the homesick part. Try "Atlanta is fun and exciting, and I particularly like xxxxx."
"I am very close to my family and friends. Both play a huge role in my life."
Axe it. It's in 3,797,823 profiles. Try something more specific..."When I go home for a visit, I love reconnecting with my family over margaritas and gin rummy."
"The idea of jumping into a serious relationship scares me, I prefer a foundation of friendship first."
And the guys are thinking "Allllriiiiggght - I can get laid without worrying about a serious relationship". Try something along the lines of "At this time, I'm not looking for a serious, committed relationship, but want to explore Atlanta while making new friends".
Sorry if I was too harsh....but take your time and re-write so that you shine. You're too cute to have such a bland profile!
People feel differently about the no, thanks email. Some people think they're awful. I personally think they're ok, and I sent them when I was on Match. Did you just put up your ad today? If so, prepare to be bombarded with replies. Since you're in a city and you're young and pretty, I wouldn't be surprised if you get a couple of hundred responses in your first month. Just relax. They won't disappear if you don't respond immediately. Take your time and only respond to the ones you think you would really like to meet.
Feel free to email me if you have more questions. You can mail me through my profile.
I would not send the no thanks email, because as I said earlier in this thread, the one Match sends out is really condescending.
If you want to write your own, then that would be better, but personally I wouldn't. I hate getting them, even if they are nice, so I don't send them. And be aware that some people will try to ARGUE with you about WHY you're not interested in them, blah, blah, blah...another reason not to do it. Or if you do, block them right away so you don't get the hate mail back ;-).
Sheri
I understand, but you've never even met him! You don't know anything at all about him! You could simply write back and say, Thank you very much for responding to my profile, but I really would prefer not to date someone older than 34, or whatever your age limit is. Guys are used to the rejection. Online dating is a jungle. I've heard a lot of men complain that most women don't even respond to their emails, so if you're kind enough to respond and send a polite "I'm not interested, sorry" email he'll appreciate it.
You'll get used to it. I promise!
Pages