Now that you’ve selected the best possible photo for your profile, it’s time to compose your profile biography. We know most people would rather have root canal surgery than write about themselves, but if it accomplishes nothing else, it is an excellent exercise in introspection.

Every one of us is unique, and it is those characteristics that you and you alone possess that should be expressed in your profile. Cliché descriptions like “fun-loving” and “easy-going” are descriptive only of a non-original thinker and don’t really say anything useful to a prospective date. “Fun” could mean anything from watching television to long-distance swimming to a quick romp in the hay, both to you and your readers. Under the circumstances, it behoves you to be specific about your particular definition of the word.

The same goes for physical descriptions. Playing a game of golf a couple of times a year does not automatically give you an “athletic” build, just as being as wide as you are tall doesn’t make you “petite”, even if you’re only five feet high. Many of us tend to overlook the depredations of time and still have a mental picture of the way we were twenty or thirty years ago. This is wishful thinking and there is nothing to be gained by describing what once was. Of course, if you were an Olympic contender in your youth, that’s an interesting fact that can be shared, but you should make it clear that you don’t do high hurdles any more (unless you’re one of those middle-aged phenomena we sometimes read about). In other words, be honest about your current physicality and don’t talk about what you used to be.

Keep in mind that it’s always better to underplay your assets than to exaggerate them. Think how much better an impression is left by being pleasantly surprised at first meeting than by dashing someone’s expectations of something unreal. By the way, it’s a really bad idea to make last minute changes in your appearance before a first date. If your picture depicts a long-haired brunette, don’t decide to turn yourself into a bobbed blond the day before you meet someone in person for the first time. You may look fabulous, but the shock of expecting one thing and getting something entirely different trumps a startling change, regardless of its flattering effect.

It’s also a bad idea to discuss past hurt and present bitterness when composing your profile. Once you’ve lived a half-century or more, it’s inevitable that you have experienced a certain amount of disappointment or even downright tragedy, but adding these details will not attract the kind of person you want in your life. There are thousands of predators on the Internet who do nothing but search for sad and lonely souls who are natural prey for a certain kind of emotional vulture. These bad guys (and women) smell desperation the way a hyena senses carrion and they pounce with the same viciousness. Don’t invite their attention by dwelling on the tragic aspects of your past. Your two watchwords should always be “upbeat” and “honest”, and if you can’t do both, wait until a happier day to write your profile biography.

Keep in mind that once you’ve committed yourself to clicking that “enter” key, you’re introducing yourself to the world. Read, re-read, edit, correct and do it again. If possible, have someone you trust look it over and discuss it, too. Just as your picture speaks a thousand words, your words portray a close-up of you, so it’s important that you develop a clear, true portrait of your best self.

If you have one of those bodies that begs to be shown off, you might want to post a full length photo of yourself as part of your dating profile. Of course, if you can get someone to handle the camera work, there’s no need to learn how to do it yourself. However, if you’d like to take your time, play with lighting and angles and not be at the mercy of someone else’s schedule, here are a couple of tips on taking a whole body self-portrait.

As with a head shot, you can place the camera on a flat surface or on a tripod, set the timer and pose. You’ll probably have to take several test shots before getting the focus right, but once you do, mark the best place to sit or stand, and use it accurately while you experiment with poses.

Choose your attire carefully; wear the kind of outfit that is most complimentary to your best features. Be sure that the color is not only flattering, but also blends with the background. You don’t want to stand against a dark wall in a black dress or suit, for example. By the same token, you wouldn’t want to be seen in an orange dress against purple wallpaper, either.

Lighting can be either your best friend or your worst enemy. You know, of course, never to light from behind, unless you’re going for a black silhouette. Experiment with your light source, starting by standing directly in front of it, then gradually moving it (or yourself) from one side to the other. Examine each shot carefully, note which is the most flattering angle and make whatever adjustments you need to perfect the image.

Remember that the part closest to the camera will look largest in the picture. This fact can be used to your advantage or prove disastrous if overlooked. For example, if you want to minimize that paunch, turn it away from the lens and try to keep in in shadow. On the other hand, if you have the kind of chest that should be shown off, by all means be up front with it and proudly let the light shine upon it. If you’re a man, ripple those muscles; those of the female persuasion should certainly flaunt that cleavage!

Never forget that you’re trying to impress a potential partner and your photograph is the first thing (s)he will see, so whether it’s just a head shot or a full body picture, take the time to make your image a memorable one.