waiting to meet you ” is to sign up for a free trial . Before paying for a dating service , be sure there are sufficient people in your community to connect with . You don ’ t want to find that there are only three women in your preferred age range and two of them are your ex-wives .
Setting up a profile can be intimidating , but the more information you share , the more likely you are to garner responses . Here are a few tips for success .
Be honest . Most users admit to embellishing their profile , but don ’ t be tempted to present yourself as someone you ’ re not . The most common things people exaggerate are their age ( reporting younger than they really are ), weight or figure , job situation , and current relationship status .
Post current photos . You might have some great pictures from ten years ago that you ’ d like to share , but your potential date wants to know what you look like today . Have a friend help you take some new pictures ; make an effort to look put together . Be sure to include at least one photo that shows your body from head to toe . Smile and ditch the sunglasses .
Write an interesting biography . Include information about what you enjoy doing and what sort of person you hope to meet . Be clear about your expectations and what sort of relationship you ’ re looking for . Don ’ t go for the clichés such as “ I enjoy long walks and cuddling by a fire .”
Cast a wide net . Don ’ t be tempted to use too narrow an age range or reject someone on the basis of their ethnicity or other superficial attributes . Your perfect match could be among those you ’ ve eliminated on the basis of some small feature they lack .
If you haven ’ t heard of catfishing , you need to educate yourself on how to spot an imposter . There are people on the internet , dating sites in particular , who misrepresent themselves in order to take advantage of naive individuals . Seniors are particularly at risk because they tend to be more trusting and sincere .
Be cautious of anyone who doesn ’ t live in your province or country . Ask questions to assure that they are actually from your community . Use reverse image search to determine if their photos are posted elsewhere and not theirs . Do not give out any personal information such as your phone number or address . Be wary of any talk of being in love , especially if you ’ ve never actually met in person . Steer clear of anyone who repeatedly cancels an in-person meeting at the last minute . Never send money to anyone you meet online , ever . This bears repeating for those in the back : Never send money to anyone you meet online , ever .
If you ’ ve communicated with someone for a while and decide to meet in person , be sure to choose a public space such as a coffee shop or mall . Never go to someone ’ s home or invite them into yours until you ’ re completely confident you know and trust them . My apologies if this sounds like advice for a teenager , but never get in a vehicle on a first date and don ’ t meet anyone in a remote location .
Online dating portals can be a doorway to meeting new friends , networking , or finding that special someone . Be bold , be adventuresome , and be open to new experiences . At the same time , use common sense and trust your instincts . Go out there and meet your match .
Jane Thrall is retired and enjoying life from behind her mask . If you see her profile online , swipe right . news & views WINTER 2021 | 37