Set For Marriage Blog Relationship advice from the experts at SetForMarriage.com

2Nov/090

Create a Profile Username That Works for You

The username you choose for your profile serves as your identity on SetForMarriage.com, so it should represent you well.  A username is often the first thing people notice as they are browsing profiles, so choose one that will help your profile look attractive and get noticed.

One option is to choose a name that tells something unique about you, whether it’s a skill you possess, an activity you enjoy, or a place you love.  Pique their interest with your love for salsa dancing, your green thumb, or your many-stamped passport.  Try to choose a name that is somewhat original, because usernames like “niceguy” and “fungirl” don’t really stand out from the crowd.

Make sure to use correct spelling, and choose a username that is relatively short, easy to say and remember.  Keep your name positive, avoiding words like lonely and broken heart.  People are drawn to positive people, so starting things out with a negative tone will limit your dating options.

Also, avoid sexually explicit names, which do not convey the impression that you are set for marriage.  To protect your privacy, avoid using your real name or a name you use elsewhere on the internet.  It’s best to keep your real identity to yourself until you have decided to trust someone you have gotten to know.

12Oct/093

You Had Me at Hello?

Most first messages sent on dating sites go unanswered, so how can you beat the odds and get a response?  Most online daters receive numerous emails from potential suitors, so your message needs to stand out in the crowd.  Follow these tips to ensure that the object of your desire replies to you.

  1.  Ask a question in the message title, such as “How’s it going?” or “What did you think of the Astros game?” if they say they are a fan in their profile.  People are more likely to respond if someone asks them a question.  “Hello” and “Hi, I’m Sam” just don’t grab someone’s attention in a sea of emails.
  2. Don’t put too much emphasis on how attractive the person looks in their profile photo.  These comments don’t trigger further conversation, and the woman with the striking green eyes has already been told thousands of times how beautiful her eyes are.
  3. Comment on a hobby or other information from their profile, like how you share their interest in surfing or theater.  This gives them a topic to explore in their reply to your message.
  4. Use correct spelling and grammar, and avoid writing shorthand that is used in many online chat conversations.  Read your message out loud before hitting the send button to make sure your sentences makes sense.
21Sep/091

Say Cheese: Tips for Your Profile Photo

Your dating profile is essentially an advertisement for you, and your profile photo is the first thing people will notice.  If you put some thought into choosing a photo, you will have more success in attracting the right person’s attention.  The following are a few tips to help you out.

1.  Post a photo

Most people skip over a profile that has no photo.  Many will think you don’t like the way you look, or you have something to hide (like being married).  Before initiating contact, men and women want to see a photo in order to see if there is an initial attraction.  If you are concerned with privacy, at least state in your profile that you are willing to share a photo with someone who is interested in talking further.

2.  Don't be shy, show your face

Maybe you have a great photo of you on a motorcycle in your aviators, but that’s not a good profile picture.  You need to show your eyes and face for people to get a decent idea of what you look like.  Avoid hats and sunglasses, and don’t have the picture taken so far away that someone wouldn’t be able to recognize you when they meet you in person.

3.  Get someone else to take your picture

When you reach your arm out and take your own photo, it’s rarely a flattering shot.  Webcam pictures are also not ideal, because they are usually grainy and cast weird shadows on your face.  If you don’t have any decent photos of yourself, ask a friend to take your picture.

4.  Put your best face forward

Choose a photo that shows you properly groomed and in a flattering outfit.  You wouldn’t show up for a first date in your bum around the house gear, so don’t let that image be the first impression for people viewing your profile.  Since you are looking for a serious relationship, don’t post a photo that shows you in a provocative pose or not fully dressed.

5.  Post a recent photo

I’ve heard many stories that involve a first date from a dating site showing up looking nothing like their photos online.   Be honest with your image, and don’t post an old picture where you are high school skinny or had a lot more hair.  You won’t fool anyone once you meet them, so there’s just nothing to gain in that approach.  Love yourself the way you are!

6.  Be a solo act

Your main profile photo needs to focus solely on you, so don’t use your favorite picture of you and your friends.   Do not post a photo of you with your ex, where you have cut them out but we can still see their arm around you.  This does not send a positive message to those viewing your photo.  Also, do not include your children in the photo.  This can possibly put them in an unsafe situation, and they deserve their privacy.