Ready for the second part in getting noticed in on-line dating?  The people with personal ads are just like you!  So, let’s write it!  Begin with a catchy working headline: Silver Fox Seeks Marriage.  Now, describe yourself, working from your list:  Honest, caring, fit, semi-retired doctor, DWM, 62, NS, ND, seeks DWF, 55 plus, NS, ND, to start a new life.  Since my children are grown, the dog and I want a co-pilot to travel the U.S. in my Winnebago.  Golf, long walks, biking down country lanes and dancing are favorite activities.   Please respond with your photo to box xxx.

Use the codes listed in the publication.  Standard codes listed here are DWM – divorced white male; DWF – divorced white female; NS – non smoking; ND – non-drinking.  In the way that you have written, you told perspective females that you want a serious relationship, that you care about how you look and about taking care of yourself.  You state that you are unattached and that she must also be unmarried.  You imply that you may be working part-time, but do have some time available to start a new serious friendship. You have told her that you have children, but they don’t live with you and that you have a dog companion, who will be traveling with you.  This implies that if she wants to bring her cat who hates dogs, the RV may be too small!

You’ve told her some of the activities you enjoy, which you might do together.  Fortunately, you have not limited her, except by age and race.  You have told her that you don’t want a companion who sits in bars, drinking and smoking.  You have not indicated anything about the physical characteristics of either of you.  By not saying that she must be a redhead, or that she must be physically fit, you open the possibilities for various ladies to contact you.

Now, follow the instructions to place the ad.  It can be on-line, or in a print publication.  If you have joined a dating service like eHarmony, your application is much more involved.  You are completing a profile.  Be aware that the more detailed you are, the more likely you are to find the right one!

Once your ad or profile has hit publication, you will begin to get responses.  Start to analyze what the respondent is looking for. 

(We’ll read, analyze and respond to potential dates in On-line Dating 101 – Part 3)