So, you've just joined an online dating site and now you are ready to create your profile. Well, before you make the same tragic mistakes as many desperately seeking others have made, here are some tips to ensure that your profile will accomplish exactly what you want; to meet great people and represent you as the wonderful catch that you are.

First and foremost, your online profile should be truthful. Whether it is the picture that you are posting of yourself or your online description, stating that you are 5'8 and 140 pounds when you are 5'2 and 240 pounds is not a good idea, especially if you plan on meeting your date in person. There are plenty of wonderful people that you will meet who will appreciate you for who you are so skip the lies and stick to the truth. If you exaggerate your physical appearance, you miss out on finding the person who is attracted to the real you.

Don't take high school photos and place them on your profile when you know that you haven't looked that way for at least twenty years. Take a recent photo, one that really looks like you, and place that on your profile. Also, make sure that you are smiling. Serious pictures may not express your friendliness and can backfire against you. As well as pictures that look as if they are too revealing. Remember that you are using the service to attract a partner and the way you present yourself will determine whom you attract. So, remember to keep things honest and truthful for the best results, and dress appropriately in your photo. The object of online dating isn't to lie or try to pretend that you are someone you aren't. It is to find others who are genuinely interested in you, for who you are.

Next, beware of describing yourself in one-word adjectives. Many online profiles appear dull and boring thanks to the overuse of adjectives and they fail to truly capture anyone's attention. Try using a writing technique to create your profile - show action. Instead of stating that you like art or visiting museums, show action by describing the last sculpture you created or your most recent trip to a museum. This is applicable for any description that you are going to create. Show in action words or verbs who you are and avoid the overuse of common one word adjectives.

Finally, make sure to remember to practice Internet safety. Even though the goal is to find someone and make a special connection with them, the purpose of creating your profile and joining a service is so that you can screen potential partners. Never post your personal information, such as your home address or phone number in your profile. You will most likely not want to share your last name as well. Keep this information private until you feel comfortable sharing it with your date. Each website has their own terms of use and requirements, so also be sure to follow the policies set forth by the dating agency.