 |
|
|
Describe yourself first. Be careful to avoid creating
a bio that is simply a mile-long list of characteristics you seek in another person, without saying much about yourself.
It is better to let the other person reading your bio decide
if they might be a match for you. This does not mean that you should say nothing about what you seek in a prospective candidate:
just don't overdo it.
Age isn't everything, but... This is where
a lot of people start. Let's face it... and let's be realistic. Be sure to include your age in the bio; if you
do not want to give your exact age, narrow the range: "early twenties" or "mid forties" for example.
If you are fifty but feel like a twenty-two year old, why not say
so? If you are looking for someone outside your age range, give a range for the person you seek as well. Keep
in mind that some people will be suspicious of a range that seems too wide -- such as "twenty to sixty", and this may limit
responses. Likewise, a range too narrow (one to two years) also seems odd. Even those who fall in the narrow range
might be hesitant to respond. Stating your age, and avoiding ranges altogether, is generally the best approach.
|
|
Show don't tell. For example, it is much more effective
to use humor in your ad rather than just saying "I have a sense of humor". Show them that you are an educated
and intelligent person through interesting choice of words, clear writing structure, and colorful and creative descriptions.
Remember: creativity counts.
A personal bio can take many forms. A poem, perhaps. An amazing bio may consist entirely of titles
-- one right after another -- of popular motion pictures, books or operas, carefully chosen and arranged to describe yourself.
Details, details, details! How many times
have you read a personal ad that states: "I enjoy movies, music, and going out."? This sentence describes millions
of people! The idea is to make yourself stand out from the rest of the crowed! Instead, name a recent movie that
you enjoyed. List some of your favorite music styles, song titles, or artists. If you enjoy going out to Italian
restaurants, or waltzing after the opera, say so! Ironically, it is the very details that are often overlooked as being
insignificant or boring which in fact add the color and depth necessary for a personal bio to be truly effective.
|
|
|
Show them what YOU would want to know. Make a list
of the things and qualities that are most important to you that you would like to know about a person before responding to
someone. Chances are, others would like to know the same about you. If you work, in what field? Have you ever been married
before? Do you have children? Do you want children? Do you smoke? Do you have a preference in the other
person? Keep in mind that common goals are often more important in a relationship than individual interests.
Honesty is the best policy. Above all,
be honest when describing yourself. No matter who you are, or what kind of person you are seeking, you have a better
chance of finding that person -- and with less disappointment along the way -- if you are honest from the beginning.
|
|
|
|
|
