Writing a fantastic online dating profile.

Most dating sites have a search function where you can find members who fit your criteria - quite often it will return over 500 profiles. In order to grab someone's attention you'll need to stand out in some way. Humour can be a great way to do this

Breaking Commandment 1 : "Hi, I'm new."

Following Commandment 1: "Looking for an astronaut to fly me to the moon"

If you're going to spend time chatting to someone you want to know that there's the possibility you'll be attracted to them. Not having a photo on your profile does scare people off - statistic prove it! Ideally have 2 or 3 photos: one where you're looking particularly hot, one where you're maybe not looking that great and one where you can see the whole body. People can look very different in photos and some are more photogenic than others, so try to find photos that reflect the real you.

Breaking Commandment 2 : A blurry photo of you taken 10 years ago, holding a carp, or an unsmiling passport type photo which could double up as a CIA "wanted" poster.

Following Commandment 2: A recent photo, with you smiling and looking like you enjoy life and another maybe of you playing your favorite hobby or out with friends.

A lot of dating sites help you with this bit; they have sections about sports and hobbies, favorite foods etc, but you still need to write something that let's the reader know a bit about your personality, your hopes, what you enjoy etc. Try to avoid mentioning baggage! We know you probably weren't going to, but you'd be surprised at the number of people who do!

Breaking Commandment 3 : "After my divorce 5 years ago (wife took the house and the car), I thought I might try this internet dating stuff - it's supposed to work. I work hard and play hard. I like spending nights in with a bottle of red wine and a good DVD - hopefully cuddling up to you - lol".

Following Commandment 3: I've got a great job that keeps me really busy, but in my free time I love to hang out with my friends, try out new things and enjoy life as much as possible. I've recently taken a course in scuba diving as I'd love to be able to swim with the dophins in Barbados one day (I support the WDCS). If you'd like to do that too, maybe our first date could be underwater? If not (and I don't blame you), how about meeting up for coffee and a movie? There are some great films showing at the moment - let me know if there's something you'd really love to see."

Joining an online dating site can be a great way of meeting people, as long as you don't limit yourself too much about who you want to meet. You might think that you only want to date someone who has green eyes, blonde hair and works out at the gym 4 times a week and lives within 10 miles, the reality is that the perfect person for you may have blue eyes and only goes the gym when the weather's too bad to surf and lives 70 miles away. Yes, attraction has to be there, just be open to where that might be.

Breaking Commandment 4 : "I'm looking for someone who is into motor sports, has blue eyes and long slightly scruffy hair, has a tatoo on their arm (but not on their leg), isn't a vegan or vegetarian, likes rock music. Also you must be Roman Catholic, but not be too worried about going to Mass, unless it's Christmas."

Following Commandment 4: I've haven't got any preconceived ideas about what I find attractive, but I'm fairly sure it will be someone I can laugh with, who enjoys playing sports and has a positive outlook on life. Ideally you'll be in the same time zone, otherwise it gets a little tricky to arrange dates!"

Whilst you might be worried that all women could be searching for a 6'4" George Clooney lookalike who's earning over $100,000, or you're worried that men must want a size 6, blonde 25 year old, don't be tempted to lie on your profile. One of the biggest complaints about online dating is that men overstate their height and women understate their dress size. There's nothing wrong with being 5'11" or being a size 12/14 - what is wrong is to mislead people.

Breaking Commandment 5 : "I have abs that you can bounce quarters off." Then hope that no one asks you to prove it!

Following Commandment 5: "Recently joined a gym to get back into shape and loving it!"