Advice for men: The Perfect Profile

Putting together a great, punchy profile is important for everyone on mysinglefriend.com but we notice that some of you chaps do tend to fall foul of the same problem: a slap-dash profile. Just as in real life, first impressions really count, so it's important to get your profile looking as dashing as possible. There are now companies out there that offer professional dating profile help, which gives you an idea of how seriously some people take it, but you don't need to go down that route, because you've got us to lend you a hand.

One of the great things about MSF is that your friend does most of the legwork for you by writing your description (so do yourself a favour and pick someone who can craft something pithy and charming) but there's still some work to do in making it successful. Over the next couple of advice posts we'll be giving you our top tips on creating the perfect profile.

Standing out

Given how competitive internet dating is becoming these days it's evident that a quick slap-dash summary of what you like and don't like simply won't do nowadays. Conversely, don't be tempted to write an essay, because very long responses are the biggest cause of someone exiting your page sharpish. We've said it before, and no doubt will say it again: three paragraphs, max.

Your potential date needs to be able to quickly see what makes you unique and worth responding to. If you can be funny, then do so, and certainly be sincere. At the very least don't be churlish about using online dating; 'My mate put me on here so I thought I might as well give it a go' isn't going to wash. Studies have shown that amusing self-depreciation can go a long way in male dating profiles, but be sure to stay this side of abject self-hatred; you don't want to sound like you're auditioning to be a member of My Chemical Romance.

Provide a contrast

Your friends description will (hopefully) be a witty, joyful meditation of the excellentness of you. Leave that side of things to them, as it will just sound big-headed coming from you. Your job is to fill in the gaps and cover important stuff that your friend doesn't mention and tell potential dates what type of person you're looking for. If they've written lots, keep your response short and vice versa and do what you can to flesh yourself out into a rounded, attractive example of humanity in as little space as possible.

Avoid the obvious

Here at MSF we're always a bit surprised by the amount of people who say they like to laugh or enjoy going on holiday, because, really, you'd have to be downright weird not to enjoy those things. Unless it's literally your only interest in life, avoid saying things that are a given because everyone likes to eat out, spend time with friends and what have you. Concentrate instead on telling people something unique about you, whether it be an amusing anecdote about the time you had a drunken night out with [insert mildly famous soap actor], an unusual fancy-dress costume you once created or your passion for topiary. One unusual trait will get you a lot further than ten obvious ones.

We'll be back soon with more advice and tips. You can take a look through our previous advice posts here.

Not a mysinglefriend.com member? Join now or recommend a friend.

Click to go to the main site: mysinglefriend.com