In the days of personal ads, it was easier misrepresenting facts concerning physical appearance, as there were no photos or profiles; only a classified ad containing 3 sentences. You could describe yourself as a total look-a-like to a popular, attractive actor or actress and didn't have to prove it. Subsequently, it all would break down when the actual meeting occurred, and the person had no resemblance to their original description. As you can imagine, in those days, dating from personal ads was extremely risky.
Today, with online dating standard practices being to post a profile and photo, it's a bit more difficult to falsify your appearance. With the use of Google and other tools, the truth can be found. Still, many people who date through online dating services, present company included, have encountered some sort of deception. Consequently, this is one area that is referred to most often when others question whether online dating is worth the trouble. The fact that some feel they must mislead others in order to get dates, continues to be a challenge for the online dating industry, which is why honesty must be emphasized; and it starts with the profile.
The profile is extremely important in establishing your credibility, as it is what starts the contact phase. Between the profile and the photo, a visual image is formed, and there is a desire for more information. It can be compared to a resume, and should only contain what is true. Yes, you have goals and plans for the future, however, your profile is who you are today. For example, you may have just started a program to lose 10 pounds within a specified period of time, yet it hasn't happened yet. So, give your current weight.
At the end of the day, regardless of your height, physical appearance, education, etc., you owe yourself, and your potential romantic interest, a profile that honestly represents who you are. For example, a person contacted me who stated in his profile he was Agnostic. Having this information was an automatic cancellation for me, as that was far from my religious beliefs. However, at least he was honest and wanted women to know his beliefs, so they would be well informed. Be truthful when you fill out your statistics, such as height, weight, occupation and marital status, etc. This sets the foundation for a relationship that's based on trust and actual interest, and weeds out prospective dates who are only attracted to a particular type of person.
Further, if you are working on your weight or something else about your physicalappearance, and you want to be at your best, then maybe you should wait until that goal is reached before connecting with someone. You want to feel good and confident about yourself before moving forward.
Being honest also extends to the type of person and situation you are searching for. In the early years of online dating, skirting around the characteristics you desired the other person to have, was common. If you wanted a committed relationship or marriage, it was rarely mentioned. These days, many men and women spell out exactly what they want in the other person, and are not afraid it will turn someone off; this, too, is being honest. Another reason for being specific about your relationship goals, such as looking for a casual summer fling or a non-committal friendship, is that it narrows the field of potential dates, and eliminates unreasonable expectations from the start.
Remember, too, there is a positive side to going through the process of writing a profile; it is a benefit because it forces you to evaluate who you are and what you've been doing with your life, as well as, where you want to be in 5 years. Once you've got it in writing, you'll begin to see all the positive attributes you have to offer; and people who are dating online for serious reasons, will appreciate your accomplishments. Most mature people understand that no one is perfect, but they do expect you to be honest.
Lastly, after finding the person you believe could be a keeper, cancel your membership to with the online dating service, and give it a chance. Many times, this is not done because someone wants to keep the door open, just in case. However, look at this way, you've already found what others are still looking for. You've made a good impression, met a great person, and established trust. Let him/her know they did not make a mistake in connecting with you and that you are true to your word.
Today, with online dating standard practices being to post a profile and photo, it's a bit more difficult to falsify your appearance. With the use of Google and other tools, the truth can be found. Still, many people who date through online dating services, present company included, have encountered some sort of deception. Consequently, this is one area that is referred to most often when others question whether online dating is worth the trouble. The fact that some feel they must mislead others in order to get dates, continues to be a challenge for the online dating industry, which is why honesty must be emphasized; and it starts with the profile.
The profile is extremely important in establishing your credibility, as it is what starts the contact phase. Between the profile and the photo, a visual image is formed, and there is a desire for more information. It can be compared to a resume, and should only contain what is true. Yes, you have goals and plans for the future, however, your profile is who you are today. For example, you may have just started a program to lose 10 pounds within a specified period of time, yet it hasn't happened yet. So, give your current weight.
At the end of the day, regardless of your height, physical appearance, education, etc., you owe yourself, and your potential romantic interest, a profile that honestly represents who you are. For example, a person contacted me who stated in his profile he was Agnostic. Having this information was an automatic cancellation for me, as that was far from my religious beliefs. However, at least he was honest and wanted women to know his beliefs, so they would be well informed. Be truthful when you fill out your statistics, such as height, weight, occupation and marital status, etc. This sets the foundation for a relationship that's based on trust and actual interest, and weeds out prospective dates who are only attracted to a particular type of person.
Further, if you are working on your weight or something else about your physicalappearance, and you want to be at your best, then maybe you should wait until that goal is reached before connecting with someone. You want to feel good and confident about yourself before moving forward.
Being honest also extends to the type of person and situation you are searching for. In the early years of online dating, skirting around the characteristics you desired the other person to have, was common. If you wanted a committed relationship or marriage, it was rarely mentioned. These days, many men and women spell out exactly what they want in the other person, and are not afraid it will turn someone off; this, too, is being honest. Another reason for being specific about your relationship goals, such as looking for a casual summer fling or a non-committal friendship, is that it narrows the field of potential dates, and eliminates unreasonable expectations from the start.
Remember, too, there is a positive side to going through the process of writing a profile; it is a benefit because it forces you to evaluate who you are and what you've been doing with your life, as well as, where you want to be in 5 years. Once you've got it in writing, you'll begin to see all the positive attributes you have to offer; and people who are dating online for serious reasons, will appreciate your accomplishments. Most mature people understand that no one is perfect, but they do expect you to be honest.
Lastly, after finding the person you believe could be a keeper, cancel your membership to with the online dating service, and give it a chance. Many times, this is not done because someone wants to keep the door open, just in case. However, look at this way, you've already found what others are still looking for. You've made a good impression, met a great person, and established trust. Let him/her know they did not make a mistake in connecting with you and that you are true to your word.