How to Use Online Personals

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:UseOnlinePersonals
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How to Use Online Personals

Introduction

When used wisely, online personals can hook you up with your soulmate, or at least provide you with a lot of fun dates with different types of people. A poorly worded personal ad can net you a disastrous or boring date or no date at all. Here are some tips on how to use online personals successfully.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

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Step One

Check out all the different online dating sites. Some of the most popular sites, like Match.com, have a free trial period so you can test their services. While general sites are fine for some folks, others may want to look into sites that specialize in different hobbies or professions. There are dating sites geared to pet lovers, military singles and vegetarians.
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Step Two

Compose your ad. You don't need to write your autobiography, but be detailed enough so that prospective dates get a sense of your personality. Specify what you are looking for in a partner, but don't be too picky. That approach is a turn-off for many people and will cause you to miss out on some really great dates.
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Step Three

Post a picture when you use online personals. Ads without photos, no matter how well-written, rarely elicit responses. Use a fairly recent, natural-looking photo. No older than two years is best. You want to give people an idea of what you look like now, not ten years ago.
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Step Four

Choose potential dates wisely. Have fun and don't be too critical when reading the ads. Most people write their personal ads honestly, so stalkers and weirdos don't pose that much of a threat. Trust your instincts, however. If something sounds off-kilter, bypass the ad.
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Step Five

Keep your options open. Don't refuse to date or correspond with someone because they're a bit too old or live five miles out of your preferred area. Online personals enable you to contact people that you never would encounter through acquaintances or a chance meeting, so be open-minded.
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Step Six

Chat with your potential date. Use email, IM or the phone before meeting them. The more you know about someone, the less awkward that first date will be.

Tips & Warnings

  • You can always back out before a face-to-face meeting if you feel uneasy or lose interest.
  • Don't disclose too much about yourself online such as your last name, address, and place of work initially. Ease into personal revelations.
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