Let’s take a look at how to describe yourself on a dating site.

Some dos and don’t of creating a profile

The first ‘rule’ of creating your dating profile is to be honest. Tell it as it is, especially when answering lifestyle questions. Don’t say you love dogs and kids to keep your options open if, in reality, you’d never be able to live with some hair on the sofa and toys on the floor.

Do check your spelling and grammar. This is your calling card and taking care over it shows commitment and effort. If you struggle in these areas, you could download an online tool, like Grammarly to keep you right. Or ask a friend who’s good with words to help you out with some pointers. Read it back. Then forget about it for a bit, come back to it a day later and do the same. Is it interesting to read? Does it reflect who you are?

Do make sure you’re writing enough to give a full picture of yourself. A few sentences will not suffice here. On the other hand, take care not to waffle on. The key is to give as much information as possible, but, using as few words as you can. It’s a balance. Take your time and expect a few edits.

Ways to get your personality across on the screen

A great way to work on your own profile is to look at others’. Ask yourself what information you find helpful, enjoyable and insightful when reading descriptions and answers to questions. Sometimes it can be tricky to see yourself objectively and you might even overlook really interesting things about yourself. Talk to friends and family to find out how they would describe you to a stranger.

Include hobbies, areas of interest and pivotal experiences you’ve had. Stay true to your personality – if you’re a joker, add in some humour, but don’t force in gags if that’s not your thing. Your date will be most confused when meeting a serious intellectual type whose profile had been light and frothy.

How to show yourself in a realistic, but positive light

As previously mentioned, honesty is vital – especially on a Christian dating site. But that doesn’t mean you have to overshare all your worst foibles (although identifying and working on these in the interim is a good idea). Focus on the positives with a spirit of humility. What do you like about yourself? What are your strengths? What have you achieved? What makes you, you?

We’re often really bad at recognising our own good points. But never forget that you are fearfully and wonderfully made and that it’s actually a good thing to acknowledge that. You’ll bring immense joy, love and enrichment to your spouse’s life with your unique personality, character, ethics and interests. If you can identify and convey what those are on your profile, it’ll help draw that person to you.

Perhaps you’re new to online dating. Maybe you’re not attracting much interest and want to present yourself in a better light – or the people who are getting in contact with you aren’t suitable suitors. If so, have a go at writing – or refreshing – your profile over the next few days. And you might just learn a few things about yourself in the process!