OLD question

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-05-2004
OLD question
3
Tue, 09-20-2005 - 4:37pm

I've been considering jumping into the on-line dating pool. I was surfing on a website Sunday at my cousin's house, and there was one that I liked. I have never done this before, and I have some questions. Please bear with me here, I'm sure these are stupid questions, but I'm new to all of this.

I started typing a profile on Sunday, but it sounded stupid, so I deleted it. What should I put in my profile? Should I tell about myself, or should I tell what kind of a person I am looking for? I saw some profiles that I might like to respond to. If I want to e-mail the person, do I tell them I have a profile on file, or will they automatically know that. I'm sure they would want to see a picture of me before they answer back. Do I send them a picture, or do I direct them to my profile? I know this is dumb, but I don't want to do anything wrong.

I know a lot of people on the board have not had very good experiences with OLD. I have never tried it, so I want to reserve judgment. The one thing I do like is that I can see if a person has been married or has children. I wasn't even looking at profiles of men who were never married. That's just my personal preference right now. Even my counselor said last night that maybe I've just been dating the wrong kind of guys, and I need to make a change. So, I thought I would give this a try. I'm just a little chicken.

Donna

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2005
In reply to: momoftwins65
Tue, 09-20-2005 - 5:24pm

These are not stupid questions, Donna!! They are good ones.

I think that everyone here will have good advice and tips!! And we haven't had a discussion on this topic in a while so it is good for everyone.

Here is my two cents:
- if you want a good volume of responses you MUST have a picture. I find it is helpful to have 2 pix - one dressy and one every day - if you have a good figure then full length is good too - but this is according to your own comfort level. Men are very visual and must find a visual attraction - I think they overlook most things to have this first

- I would write a brief summary about me - my strengths - what I like and what I like to do and then I would write a brief summary of what I am looking for. Here is what I have right now on the fitness site I am trying:
____________________________________
Hello!! Thanks for stopping by. :-)

I decided to give this site a try because I do keep very fit - just completed my 6th half ironman and really love the sport of triathlon because you get to do so many different things - swimming, biking, running and weights. The people are so positive and motivated.

I am an elegant but playful, down-to-earth woman who will bring the right person many smiles. Although I can enjoy the finer things in life, I feel the best things are free - this includes the words of a child, the outdoors, great friends, happiness and more.

I have been blessed with a bright and sporty 9 year old son who is now all grown up with his friends, activities and video games. I find myself having time on weekends when he is with his dad and I wish to have someone for me.

I would like to meet someone special who shares my enthusiasm for keeping fit and being active. If you are interested in an attractive woman with a love of fun, laughter and a little adventure, I hope to hear from you :-)
____________________________________
(this one is pretty good - I have really liked the responses I have gotten - but unfortunately they are all too far away so far...)

I think you have to have a profile with a picture. Some sites allow you to wink or send interest for free but if you want to communicate by email then you have to pay.

I find it is good to put up a profile with a picture and send winks or interests if you like. I don't pay unless there is someone who responds who I really like.

Good luck and let us know how you do!! I am looking forward to what the others have to say.

I think it is important to be yourself so you attract the right person, but I also think it is good to be positive/never negative and not to tell too much - you want to get them curious to email you for more - and also - guys tend to be ADD - they don't like to read too much.

I hope this helps. I think that you will receive valuable dating experience and that is worth it for the whole process. We can help guide you as you go if you like.

signature
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2002
In reply to: momoftwins65
Tue, 09-20-2005 - 5:44pm

hey there -- Jerry and I met off Match.com

Think about what kind of profile attracts you and mimic it.

I know I only looked at profiles with more than one picture... and describe who you are what you are interested in and who you are looking for... make it ight hearted and add some humor if possible...

Dont email a pic by the way because they can save it...it its on the site usually they disallow someone to save the pictures on the profile!

Best of luck it DOES work :)

MaryBeth

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2004
In reply to: momoftwins65
Tue, 09-20-2005 - 9:08pm

I've had very good experiences with OLD.

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