Are you tired of recycling old boyfriends?

Had it with waiting around for your friends to set you up with the great guy they have for you, only to find when you ask about him a month later they regretfully inform you he is now engaged?

Have you been pressed up against the bar at the Balboa Cafe asking the cute guy next to you how he snagged a seat only to look down and realize he is actually standing? Oops! No offense to short men, but it is certainly nice when the man of your dreams is staring into your eyes and not your chest when he is fully erect.

It is time to take things into your own hands – your fingertips to be precise. It is time to give match.com a whirl.

Here are few helpful hints to get you started. But before you visit www.match.com, remember to have some fun as you begin your search!

Selecting your username

The emails and winks from your potential matches will go into your match inbox. Choose an upbeat profile name that will identify you online. You may want to scroll through the match.com site and get a feel for which usernames might strike your fancy. Choose your username with confidence, cleverness and clarity.

Creating your profile

Be honest. Be playful. It is nice to mix it up a bit with what is important to you, accomplishments you are proud of, what you like to do and what you are looking for in a match. Check your spelling. Use complete sentences. Reread your profile before you post it. This is your online dating résumé. Make sure you have given it the proper attention that it deserves.

Choosing your photos

Make sure that your photos are recent. Men are very visual. Here is your chance to play up your strongest features and attributes.
•    Include your very best headshot, preferably one with you smiling.
•    Choose a full length shot that accentuates your best features. If you have great legs, it doesn’t hurt to show them. Are you athletic and toned? Play it up.
•    Include a shot at your favorite weekend destination. Do you like to be near the ocean? Do you surf? Do you like to cycle? Are you a runner? Show what you enjoy doing, i.e. skiing on your favorite mountain, competing in a marathon, standing in the garden you have planted. You get the drift.
•    It is a good idea to include at least one shot in the outdoors so they know you do actually have fun outside on occasion. If shopping is your favorite past time, you might not mention it right off the bat!
•    It seems many of the men choose to include a photograph with their bike, their boat or their dog. I am suspicious if the man includes an image with too many cats, but that’s just me. If you love your pet, include a shot. It can certainly be a talking point.

Your site is launched

Be patient. The first two weeks you will be bombarded by winks and thoughtful notes. The gentleman who catches your attention will most likely send a note which refers to something he has read in your profile that has triggered his response to you. He may comment on your beautiful smile, your mutual interest in water sports or travel. Give yourself a chance to get acclimated to the online dating world. Take your time in formulating witty and intelligent responses.

In the beginning, you may choose to scroll through the tab that lists the men that have looked at your profile. As you get more comfortable you may scroll through and actually drop the man you fancy a note. Patience is the key.

First match “meets”

Once you have determined the potential match is not only articulate, humorous, kind and considerate, he is also someone you would consider meeting in person to get to know better, it is time to move onto the next step. You may want to set a time and place to meet. Here are some suggestions: 

•    You can suggest a morning coffee meet
•    A glass of wine late in the afternoon on a Sunday
•    If he is really outdoorsy, you may want to set an activity date: kayaking on the bay?
•    Would you like to meet him at the driving range?
•    Be aware: start off somewhere safe and public!

Reread his profile before your scheduled in–person meet. Be sure that you remember how many children he has, what his interests are and his pertinent background information. The ball is in your court.

Keep it current

Check in on your profile when you have the time. Update it, add and edit photos. Maintain your adventurous spirit. Enjoy the search!