How to choose a better Online Dating Profile Picture

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but having an unflattering photograph on your dating profile is just asking for prospective partners to pass you by. Don’t believe me? Think about it - how many times have you clicked on someone’s dating profile, seen a less than fantastic photo, thought ‘no way’ and moved quickly on to the next profile?

There’s no denying that we humans are very visual creatures - how we see the world is crucial to how we experience it. Even if you are someone for whom looks aren’t everything, a poor quality photo isn’t really going to compel you to dig deeper into a prospective date’s profile.

So how do you present your best face to the world? Make sure your profile photo features just one person - you. Having others in your photo, even if they are close friends or family, can be distracting for the viewer, taking their attention from the main focus.

Don’t crop people out of your photo and use the most recent image you can find. If you don’t have anything suitable in your photo album, get a friend to take a shot for you. With a digital camera, you can keep shooting with a range of backgrounds and lighting levels until you get a selection of images you’re happy with.

If you’re female, using make-up is the right way to go. It’s not uncommon for people to look washed out in photos, especially when the flash is used. Make-up allows you to compensate for the camera’s inadequacies and highlight your best features. Don’t go too far and use professional glamour shots, though - you may think you look wonderful, but most guys will know they’re not seeing the real you - and that’s a turn-off.

Guys, don’t be tempted to include photos of your car, or your motorcycle, or your speedboat. You may be proud as punch of your thrill machine, but most women really couldn’t care less. They want to know what you look like - not the contents of your toybox.

Do include some photos of you doing things you love. If you’re a keen skier, add a favourite image of yourself on the slopes. If you love to travel, why not include one or two holiday snaps from your most memorable destinations. Be picky - remember our rules from above. Don’t just choose any old shot. Make sure it’s a good one and shows you in your best light.

These ‘action’ shots shouldn’t be your main profile picture, but they work well as an enhancement for your profile. For your main picture, try to go with a simple head and shoulders photo.

Dress is very important, especially for the girls. Put on something you normally wear and that you feel comfortable in. Don’t go getting all dolled up if that is something you only do once in a blue moon - you won’t feel natural and it will show in any photos. And don’t feel tempted to wear something too revealing - you’ll be sending the wrong message to prospective dates and setting yourself up to attract interest from all sorts of weirdos.

I’ve saved the best piece of advice for last. It’s a simple one: smile. Everyone responds more positively when they see or meet someone who is smiling, and the same happens with a dating profile photo. After all, you want to make a great impression and encourage people to take a closer look.

About the Author: This is a Guest Post by Dave Steffens , a dedicated webmaster and blogger who runs www.datingonlinecanada.ca. Dave contributes articles and blogs for a number of websites relating to free dating sites in Canada, singles chat rooms for men and women plus dating advice.


Image Courtesy: That Other Paper, Flickr

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10 Ways to Surprise Your Girlfriend on a Special Occasion

News Flash! 99% of women say they love surprises. What about the other 1%? They are Liars! So, What are some ways to surprise a Girl friend? Here is a list of 10 things you can do to please your mate.

10)Be a Chef If the only experience you have with cooking is throwing a slice of pizza in a microwave, don't worry. There are hundreds of tutorials on the web that's very easy to follow. If you know her favorite dish, then you're halfway there, and it really doesn't matter if it's not perfect, it's all about the effort, right ladies?
9) Exquisite Dining Some people are born chefs, and some aren't, so if you're the latter, you'd better have the resources to spoil your girl with her favorite cuisine once in a while. Trying out new restaurants and great wine now and then is a great way to break the shackles of routine.
8)Home Boy There's no surer way to destroy a relationship than when the 'effort' starts to decline. If you and your honey share the same full time address, you'll need to get the basics right!! That means washing up and taking turns in the domestic duties etc. If your home is clean, tidy and organized, she'll feel far more inclined to please you in other ways, get it?
7)Family Dinner Waiver: You better make sure she's really close to her family, or this could blow up in your face. In a related matter, you can use your new found talents from number 10!
6)Take Her on a Casual Picnic This works best if your partner loves the outdoors. Find hiking trails in your area and schedule one day of backpacking. Or if you live by the beach, have a tanning day planned out. A local park setting could also work if you live in the city.
5)A Night at the Spa Surprise her by telling her you're taking her dating to a routine place and then land somewhere she didn't totally expect, a local high-end spa and massage parlor. A lot of spas offer packages that can fit your budget too. A stress-free girlfriend is a man's best friend!
4)Old-Fashioned "Flowers delivery for (enter your name)!" Every girl wants to have that triumphant moment when everyone in the office will know how much you love her. She feels that she is important when you take the time and spend the money to send her flowers (preferably with chocolates).
3)Forced Holiday You will have to work overtime for this especially in getting the reservations and bookings done beforehand. The hardest part will be to force her to take that leave from her job. But she won't regret it once she knows you're going on a trip to...!
2)Luxury Cruise Wallet Warning: This is not cheap! Be encouraged. I've never heard of a couple going on a cruise that came back worse than when they started. She is worth that expense (and then some!)
1)Shopping Give her an almost-unlimited day of using your credit card. She will actually feel guilty using it. This is a reverse psychology kind of thing. "WOW! He actually trusts me with his money! That's how special I am." And even if she does spend a little bit, at least it beats planning (i.e. our list from number 10-2). It’s the thought that counts, Guaranteed. And the result will surprise you (pun intended)!

About the Author: This is a Guest Post by Matt Fuller who provides articles and news stories on various subjects relating to dating sites Australia, relationships advice for couples and free online dating sites reviews for single people.


Image Courtesy: Flickr Images by Vectorpotral

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9 Dating Tips to Create a Better Date in 10 Minutes

Every new person you date is a learning experience, and is one step closer to meeting someone who ticks the right boxes. So, How to create a better date? Become a more seasoned dater with these tips!

The first 10 minutes into a date is the most crucial. Both people will generally decide within this time frame whether a second date is likely to eventuate, thus setting the tone for the rest of the date.

Recently published information by an Australian women's magazine, who polled their readers, indicated that 83% of first dates do not progress beyond the initial date. The failure of so many first dates may not depend on whether you're a potential match or not, many people tend to write off a date if there are no sparks or electrifying chemistry within the first few minutes of the date.

As a matchmaking consultant, I see people waste their opportunities to use these interactions as a time to learn and experience self-growth. Every date shouldn't be looked at as a means to an end, rather part of your journey. So if your date is lacking sparks, here's some tips to transform your date into something positive.

1. Don't go in with a negative attitude: Just because your previous date was a disaster doesn't mean you should take this experience into the next time you're dating someone new. If you have the initial attitude of "I hope he likes me" rather than "I bet this date will be a disaster", then you'll be far more open minded and in a better head space to determine how you really feel about him.
2. Determine 3 things you like about your date: Look for positives, not negatives - as most people automatically do. This could be things like the restaurant he chose, showing up to the date on time or his nice smile or eyes: what things do you like about him?
3. Give him a compliment: Do your part to settle the nerves and get things off to a positive note: Offer a compliment so he'll loosen up, give yourself the best chance to get to know his real personality. After all, a simple compliment is a very nice gesture.
4. Use each experience as practice: Let's face it, it's only a matter of time until your lucky number comes up, even though you probably don't see it that way right now, however use each date as a stepping stone until Mr. I love you walks through the door. Dating various people is a fantastic opportunity to become better at interacting and improving your social skills.
5. Lose your agenda: If he simply does not do it for you within the first 10 minutes, just relax and be open to what might come up. There could be some other opportunity arise you never dreamt of. A business opportunity or a new network of friends. Don't make the mistake of limiting yourself and closing off your options, there could be some other message you can take away from meeting new people.
6. Ask questions: But don't enter into negative territory and discuss how many awful people you've met online, or how much you hate your boss, or the state of the economy: you'll just sound like a drama queen. instead, talk about your dates interests, carry on with the phone conversation you had earlier, "Tell me more about your trip to LA"
7. Don't listen to those little voices in your head: You know the one's, those voices telling us we're not good enough, or this is a waste of time. When you start having these thoughts, do your best to clear your mind and again tell yourself "no, it's an opportunity I should not miss"
8. Let go of the control:  The whole point of the date is to find out about your date, not yourself. Don't over analyse or start reading into things that possibly don't exist anyway. Pay attention to him, stop trying to read his mind, otherwise you run the risk of losing the man of your dreams.
9. Be nice, be empathetic: Your date probably has insecurities and concerns just like you. Try not to get hung up on some petty assumption you automatically think you could not live with. And regardless of how the date ends, leave him feeling good about himself and spread good karma in the process.

Most people are searching for a lifelong partner with whom they share a mutual and deep connection, one of adoration and trust. so until this time comes along, be the best person you can and respect each and every person you meet, it'll pay off in the end.

About the Author: This is a Guest Post by Matt Fuller who provides articles and resources relating to free dating sites, relationships tips for couples and online dating sites reviews for single people.

Photo Courtesy : Paul H Photography on Flickr

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How to find the perfect dating site for you

Socializing online, in particular using dating sites, has become one of the popular uses of the internet. The popularity of internet dating has seen a growing number of dating sites emerge; today there are niche dating sites, larger well known dating sites as well as a number of dating sites that offer free dating. However, the vast range of dating sites available online has meant that it can be difficult to decide on which is the best dating site for you.

There are a number of aspects to consider when choosing a dating site to ensure you select the right site that is perfect for your needs. One of the first aspects to consider is your budget. A large number of dating sites charge a registration or subscription fee to use their services. Establishing a budget will ensure that you find a dating site that offers the right services for you at the right price. However, if you do have a strict budget an alternative option is one of the dating sites that offers free dating; these websites offer similar features but are free and are ideal if you have limited resources.

Carefully consider the different dating sites, look at past customer reviews and the websites success rate. Thoroughly researching a dating site will guarantee that you will choose a trustworthy site that will offer you good results.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a dating website is to select an established dating site. An established dating site will offer a wider variety of other single people as well as compatibility functions that are more reliable and helpful. The established dating sites will also offer services and functions, which have been previously successful, for example choose an established website that offers online chatting functions and in-depth profile options. The 'About us' page of a dating site will reveal how long they have been online as well as explaining previous successes.

A great way of ensuring you choose the perfect dating site for you is to select niche dating sites. There are a number of specialised sites for select groups, for example single parents, senior dating, Christian dating and gay dating sites. Using these sites will ensure you find more compatible matches that are better suited to your personal circumstances.

Considering these various aspects when choosing a dating site is guarantee to help you find the perfect dating site for you as well as help to ensure that you find the perfect partner for you.

About the Author: This is a guest post by Rob Turner of datingsites.org.uk , an online dating comparison website.

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