So you have decided that your best bet for finding that special someone is to jump on to the online dating bandwagon with both feet. Good for you. You are, however, going to need to put together a solid dating profile. When you create a profile, you are basically creating your first impression. As they say, you will never get a second chance to make a first impression, so there are things you need to keep in mind when putting together your dating profile.

First of all, when you create your profile there is no reason to hide your age. Be honest about your age. There is certainly no need to be defensive or dishonest in any way about your age. Your dating profile needs to reflect, accurately, who you are.

Second, your dating profile needs to have a realistic photograph. When it comes time to submit a photo for your dating profile, make sure it is a quality and current picture of yourself. However, don't use anything that will wildly misrepresent the way you actually look. You are likely expecting to get what you see when you look at profiles, so do the same.

In your dating profile, be sure to describe yourself accurately. Answer the questions about your height, race, weight, religion, or anything else honestly. Be straightforward and accurate, not deceptive. For instance, say you are "five feet, ten inches tall and weigh 170 pounds, with short blond hair and glasses." Do not say something like, "I am an intellectual Adonis." Honesty is going to save you a lot of stress and worry down the road when you have to actually meet the people who will be reading your dating profile.

Consider the tone you use when you create a profile. Be sure that you come across as optimistic and up beat. Write in a positive tone that will draw people to you. On the flip side, don't do things like apologize for posting or self deprecate. Be positive and assertive so that you can draw people who are, similarly, positive and upbeat.

Fifth of all, be clear and concise. Format the information you post on your dating profile so that it is easy to read. Make your sentences and paragraphs concise. In addition, do not stuff your dating profile with a bunch of words or a complete personal history; for many people that is a turn off. Make sure you leave lots of white space on that page. That way, there are questions that need to be answered when you talk to the people who read your dating profile. Also, spell-check and make sure there are no glaring grammar errors. You don't want people judging your intelligence, attention to detail, or education before they have a chance to meet you.

There are a few other things you should do with your dating profile. Be clear about why you are putting the profile up. That will keep people who don't fit what you want from wasting a bunch of time reading it. Also, make it clear what it is you like best in a partner; make sure you say what you like, not what you don't like. Stay positive. Lastly, when you are replying to someone else's dating profile; show them that you did read what they wrote in their profile. That way you don't look like you are just looking at photos and basing everything on that.