The better your profile (ad), the better your responses will be!  A few minutes spent reading this page may well prove to be an invaluable investment of your time - it could even change your life!
 

Start off by describing yourself.  If you start by describing the type of person you are looking for and don't give much information about yourself, then you won't encourage as many replies as you otherwise would have done.  And when you do describe who you are looking for, don't be too narrow or restrictive - many people end up in a very happy relationship and with a partner they would never have predicted for themselves!
 

Remember that a picture is worth a thousand words.  Profiles which include pictures are far more interesting and are given top priority in our listings.  It is FREE to send a picture.  If you don't have a scanner or digital camera, don't worry, just pop a picture in the post to us and we will scan if for you for no charge.  And it doesn't have to be professionally taken; just as long as it gives your potential respondent some idea of who it is that they are contacting.  Some people find this most reassuring.  Click here for how to send a picture.
 

Do try to be interesting and a little creative in your profile.  If you have a sense of humor - don't just say so, indicate that you have a sense of fun in your profile - be as witty as you like!  Make someone want to email or meet you by writing a profile that does you justice.
 

You could use the check list below to give you ideas when composing your profile.  It's only a guide, choose whatever you think might be useful for potential partners to know about you.  There is a pop-up window available to you on the page where you complete your profile with this information on, so you can refer to this list as you compose your profile.
 

  If you work, in what field?

  Have you ever been married?

  Do you have children? Do you want children?

  What kind of relationship are you looking for?  Just friends?  Long term relationship?

  What do you do in your spare time?  What would you LIKE to do in your spare time?

  If you don't send in a picture, describe yourself, highlighting your best features. Be vain!

  Do you keep any pets?

  What area or town do you live in?  (Please remember to include this.)

  How far are you able (or willing) to travel to meet your respondents?

  Do you smoke?  Drink?  Frequently?

  What are your best qualities?

  What qualities would you like to find in the person you are looking for?

  What (particularly) makes you special?
 

When you describe your tastes, hobbies, etc., don't be too general about it.  If you like music, what sort?  Favourite artists?  If you like cooking (or eating!), what sort?  Italian, Chinese??  Be specific rather than general: it's more interesting that way and you will get better responses.
  

It is generally better to say whether you want to meet someone of the same age or older or younger than it is to specify an age range.  If you specify for example, 'under 50' you might miss out on Mr. Right just because he is 51!  Better to just keep your options open, see what replies you get and take it from there.  Remember, some people are younger in their ways and attitude than their contemporaries!  Some people defy their age, both physically and mentally (like us!).
 

None of us are perfect either!  So be honest about yourself.  Avoid disappointing yourself and others too.  Honesty is often appreciated and always pays in the long run.   Any potential partner wants to meet the real you, not someone you've invented!
 

Replying to your replies.

 
We do ask that you reply to every contact made, even if it is to only say, 'No thank you.'  If someone has taken the time and trouble to contact you, then it's the least you can do to reply to them.  We want everyone who uses this site to feel good about themselves.  So please respond kindly to your replies.  We want to be able to say that our members are the best of people! 
 

Finally...

 
Please make sure that your email address is entered correctly!  As soon as your profile is sent to us, your profile is displayed immediately and an email in confirmation is instantly sent to you.  If you don't receive this confirmation email by return, then do check that you have entered your correct email address.  And don't forget that if you change your email address in the future, then your current profile will become useless unless you notify us of your new email address.
 

Remember that we're here to help you.  Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need any help or advice (we now offer a free evaluation of your profile service too).
 

Best of luck!
 

Sharon.
(and friends)