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Dating Tips & Articles \ Tips for Replying to Personal Ads

Tips for Replying to Personal Ads

So you have your terrific personal ad written and your picture uploaded.  Now you are online looking at other people’s ads searching for that special someone.  Then it happens...

...You find someone who could be “the one”.  Now you want to contact the person and see if there are any sparks.

Below are some tips for replying to a personal ad.

Don't Use Form Letters:  Do not create a standard letter which you send to every person you meet online.  You will definitely be rewarded if you take the time to personalize the letter.

I remember receiving a letter saying "Hey babe.  I love hunting and undersea diving as well."  What do they mean "as well"?  I love animals and have never went diving.  Of course you know where I filed this reply...  I couldn't press delete quick enough.

Take Your Time:  Don’t rush into replying.  You want to make a great first impression so, write a couple drafts of your reply.

Make a List of Common Interests and Traits:  Read their personal ad bio, and make a list of everything you have in common.  Explain what attracted you to the ad… and please don’t say “Your picture looked awesome, so I thought I’d contact you.”  Most people do not respond to an ad that says they are only interested in looks.  They want to know if you have similar interests, hobbies and values in common.  That you also love to stay up late on Friday’s, order in Chinese food and watch action movies.  Or that you love dogs, or you also volunteer at the Children’s Hospital, or you love golf, or you are both computer programmers.  Give them a reason to contact you and get to know you better.

Be Sincere:  It is important that you put the other person at ease, and think “what a nice person”.

Be Polite:  No one responds to rudeness.

Be Positive and Upbeat:  Happy, upbeat and positive people attract people.  Depressing people do not.  You want to be known as a “glass is half full” type of person.  Not a “glass is half empty”, “doom and gloom”, “whoa is me” type of person.

Be in a Good Mood:  Your mood will show in your writing, so compose your reply when you are happy.

Tell them About Yourself:  Keep it short and do not brag.  Write just enough to entice the person to learn more.  A well-written short paragraph or two can do wonders.

Ask them a Question or Two:  Asking a couple of questions will achieve two things.  First of all you will learn something about the other person.  Plus it will show that you are interested in what they think.  Read their personal ad bio to find out what their interests are.  If you know they are interested in tennis, ask them what they thought of the tournament on the weekend (assuming there was one)?   Or maybe who is their favorite player?  Don’t ask anything too personal, or ask them for their real name, phone number or address.  Keep the “conversation” light at this point – you do not want to scare them off.

Does your letter compel a response?  If not, rewrite it.

Considerate Closing Line:  The closing is the last line the person will read and remember so make it count.  Say something polite, considerate and memorable.  Try not to end with “Bye”.  Too many people do, so you will blend in with the crowd.  

Proof Read:  Read your reply before you send it.  Check your spelling, and grammar.  If you have a word processor with a spell check, use it.  When you are satisfied with it, copy it into your e-mail program.

Now is the fun part...

... Sending your first reply, and having lots of fun meeting people from all over the world!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  (c) 2004. Dating Services 4U (http://www.datingservices4u.com) is a comprehensive web site which enhances your ability to succeed in online dating.  Most popular dating sites are listed, reviewed, and organized alphabetically and by category. Also has newsletters, glossary, dating tips and much more!  Visit  Dating Services 4U today, and start meeting people!

When you're ready, review all the wonderful dating sites available, post your personal ad, then start mingling.

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