In the final post on my series on the useful theories of psychoanalysis I end with some current thinking and practice which has evolved since attachment theory. In essence there has been a movement from classical psychoanalysis towards a more relational and...
Internet Dating – Part 2
John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory
John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory Attachment Theory is a well-known and widely accepted concept in human development and psychotherapy. British psychiatrist John Bowlby developed it in the 1950s. The crux of attachment theory is that the early emotional bonds between...
The Helpful Ideas of Donald Winnicott
The Helpful Ideas of Donald Winnicott Continuing my series on the founders of psychoanalysis I'm exploring Donald Winnicott this month. Donald Winnicott (1896-1971) was a paediatrician who then trained as a psychoanalyst, first to adults and later to...
The Importance of Melanie Klein
The Importance of Melanie Klein Melanie Klein was a groundbreaking and highly creative psychoanalyst. She was born in 1882 in Vienna but spent most of her life in UK, dying in London in 1960. Her life was fascinating, with many losses and tragedies but...
Carl Jung – Is He Relevant Today?
Carl Jung – Is He Relevant Today? Carl Gustav Jung was born into a religious family in Switzerland and studied to be a doctor. During these studies he became fascinated with current philosophy, anthropology and psychological theories and work in...
How Freud Is Still Relevant Today
How Freud Is Still Relevant Today Prompted by last month’s blog on Narcissism, this is the first in a series on some of the founding members in psychoanalysis and some of their ideas, many of which, I believe, are still useful for us today. Widely...
Narcissism
Narcissism The term 'narcissism' is banded around a lot. But what does being a narcissist actually mean? And how do we work out if we are in a relationship with one, or even if we might be one ourselves? Origins of Narcissism The term narcissism comes from...
The Art of Self-soothing 4: Using Our Senses
Using Our Senses This final post in my series is about using our bodily senses to self-soothe. There are lots of ways that we can self-sooth by looking. Sight Natural Vistas As I’ve already mentioned in a previous post, nature and landscapes are very calming. For...
The Art of Self-soothing 3: Creativity
Creativity is a sure way to self-soothe. People have lost themselves in creative pursuits since time began. Getting in touch with our creativity is a way of reaching something within ourselves. By allowing this to develop we can usually make something bigger than...
The Art of Self-Soothing 2: Nature
This month’s way to self soothe is by being in nature. It’s long been known and proven that being outside and preferably in nature can improve our mental health. Take a Short Walk The simplest ways are often the most effective. Such as going for a short walk from your...
Creating A Dating Profile
So you’ve taken the plunge and decided which internet site to use. Now you realise you may need a Masters in creativity and the wit of Sandi Toksvig to get your dating profile viewed, let alone make it through to actually meeting anyone on a date.
So What Is My Dating Profile For?
The purpose of your profile is to hook someone in so that they want to find out more about you. The idea is to strike a balance between giving enough information about yourself to give an honest reflection of who you are and also what you are looking for. Keep in mind that most internet dating sites are accessible for anyone to search. So ex-partners, friends, employees and clients may be able to access your profile through a search. Remember to keep within certain boundaries when composing your profile and only give out information which you feel comfortable being made public.
How Do I Go About It?
Firstly you may need a username and/or short strapline or introductory sentence which will appear under your photo. It’s best not to overthink this. Depending on your personal or professional circumstances you may not wish to use your real name so a short word or phrase to indicate something you are interested in will suffice.
Next you will need a photograph. A current head and shoulders shot is fine. Avoid professional photos and adding a full length shot is also a good idea so people can see that your photo matches your written profile. If, like most of us, you don’t have a portfolio of flattering photos to choose from then ask a trusted friend to take a few of you when you are next out and about. Research has shown that profiles without photos are overlooked hugely. The more shots you can add the better and the more interesting and fuller aspect you give of yourself.
What Should I Write?
Finally the text of the profile needs to be added. The more information you write to give a flavour of yourself the better.
There are a host of online blog pages to help you with the text. Here are a few:
What I Learned From Writing Other People’s Online Dating Profiles
How To Write An Online Dating Profile
Dating profile tips: 15 simple but effective ways to make yours stand out
and remember to run it by a friend for feedback before you post!
Good luck and Happy Valentine’s Day
Read my previous blog: Internet Dating – Part 1
Read my next blog: Internet Dating – Part 3