6. Add a bunch of different photos to your profile. Your main photo should be a head shot, preferably with you smiling. If your online dating service allows, upload more shots of you in various activities such as doing a hobby you enjoy, perhaps dressed up at a formal event or even a candid shot at work or school. Refrain from uploading shots that show too much skin or are too sexy because you will attract the wrong types of people. Having a photo on your profile is mandatory because a profile with a photo gets over 9 times the amount of replies than one without. If you are unsure if the person you are communicating with is for real, ask them to take a quick digital photo holding that days newspaper. Someone who has nothing to hide, would be more than happy to oblige if they really want to meet you and are for real.
7. Be polite when communicating online. If you are scared to tell someone “no” because it may hurt their feelings, simply tell them politely that you are looking for a certain type of person with specific characteristics and not to take it personally. Say “please” and “thank you.” If someone is rude to you or offends you, simply ignore them and/or block them.
8. Do not give out personal details such as your real first and last name or telephone early on and definitely do not include these in your profile. You have absolutely no idea who is on the other side of the computer. Con artists flock to the internet because it allows them to hide behind phony online profiles. They usually correspond with dozens of people at a time hoping one will bite their hook. Take your time and pretend like you are buying a house by asking questions and researching carefully. Only give out small pieces of information after you have developed a certain level of comfort. WomanSavers.com is a great example of a way for women to screen a man’s past relationship history anonymously and in the privacy of her own home. Once you find out their real first and last name, you can also do a simple background check online at any one of many background checking services.
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