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4. Show your personality, don't tell it. Create a persona and your profile stands out. Instead of saying you're funny or well educated or caring, demonstrate that. What are your interests? Paintings? Which ones? Your garden? Why? Try an ad that consists entirely of your favorite movie dialogue or a list of beloved fictional characters. Your essence shines through the details. Be specific. Be surprising. A woman I know snagged a boyfriend when she described her ideal job as a combination of circus performer and archaeologist.

5. Seriously avoid personal-ad speak. Don't "like fine dining" when you can be passionate about Memphis barbecue, don't "enjoy movies" when you can declare your enthusiasm for Mel Brooks.

6. Include the basics: your age and occupation, whether or not you have children, whether you're looking for a date or a life partner.