Let’s say we’re in a room full of 100 people. We look around, and everyone seems fairly different, right? But before knowing a thing about anyone else, we are all basically the same… just people in a room together. Now, what if we try to segment the 100 people into categories? For example, we might ask the question, “Who likes to cook?” Let’s say that 25 people raise their hands. Now these 25 people are different from the other 75 who would rather be swimming in a pool of jellyfish than cracking open a cookbook. Those 25 people, though, are now all the same – they like to cook. So let’s delve into this a bit further. Let’s ask around to see what specific dishes these people like to cook:
Erika – “I love making my grandma’s kugel recipe!”
Joyce – “I make stuffed cabbage with raisins when my kids come home for Thanksgiving.”
Elyse – “I make chicken piccata once a week.”
Marty – “Grilled cheese is about the only thing I can make, but it is pretty delicious, if I do say so myself.”
Betsy – “I don’t cook for myself, but I love making my dog homemade biscuits and treats.”
Now, the five of us have differentiated ourselves, first from the larger group because we each like to cook, and now from the 25-person subset because we have shared specifically what we enjoy cooking. Who would you rather go on a date with: Someone who says he likes to cook, or someone who says he makes the best apple pie on this side of the Mississippi? I’d venture to say the latter.
In your online dating profile, it’s important to differentiate yourself to the point where people can see you for you and not assume you’re just like everyone else. Let’s look at these two profiles excerpts:
I love to laugh and have fun. My family and friends are so important to me, and I always try to be there for them when I can. I love to cook, run, and play with my dog.
When I’m not chasing my dog all the way to the dog park every morning (trust me – he’s fast!), I love hosting family and friends for dinner. It gives me great pride to make my late grandma’s kugel recipe for every hookup holiday. The best advice she ever gave to me was to use a whole stick of butter every time. Maybe it’s a good thing I get my exercise by running every morning… even if I can never catch Scruffy!
The first profile doesn’t tell us much. It lists a few hobbies, but on the whole, it’s pretty nondescript. The second profile, however, really gives us a sense of who this person is – someone silly and family-loving who loves to cook and who has an abnormally fast dog. That’s someone people want to meet!
So look around the room, and if you think you might be writing the same profile as the person next to you, it’s time to get more specific. There’s an art to setting yourself apart, and now you’re well-equipped with the skills to do it.
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