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Personals Work!

 

 

The most effective personal ads are 50 to 80 words long-but no more than 125 words.

The goal is to engage and attract respondents without seeming desperate.  Here are my rules for writing the perfect personal ad...

 

  • Write about who you are-not whom you want.  Use at least 75% of the ad to describe yourself.  Ads that get answered present a portrait of the writer rather than what the writer is seeking

 

  • Choose phrases that describe your qualities. If necessary, take a poll of your friends.  Include your best physical characteristics.  Be accurate-but this is advertising, so don't under represent yourself.

 

  • Avoid vague words, clichés, cute images and obscure quotes.  Words such as nice and walking on beaches are meaningless.  Phrases such as lovely lady seeks gentleman and enjoys fine dining are stilted.  Instead, use clear language.  Be straightforward when describing yourself.  Create a picture with words.

 

  • Combine opposites to balance your self-portrait.  The order of the words is important.  Examples:  Strong but gentle...elegant but earthy...quiet but feisty.  Don't hammer home the same quality over and over again, such as kind, loving, generous to friends, true-blue.

 

  • Only mention serious non-negotiables.  These could include nonsmoking or smoking, religion, race, age, height, gender, politics, etc.
ADS THAT WORK
  • "Truly stunning woman with rural American roots, French heart and soul, cosmopolitan spirit, insightful, loyal, filled with passion and life.  Very attractive, creative, elegantly gracious, trim.  Loves city strolling, café sitting, architecture, boating, swimming.  Expressive eyes, irreverent humor.  Successful business owner, casual, relaxed style.  Seeks bright, health-conscious, financially stable man of integrity 40-55, 5'8" plus, who can laugh and is interested in others.

 

  • "Mediterranean soul, Anglo-Saxon head, passionate heart, inquisitive mind.  Good-hearted, forthright, sincere widower, 55, fit with natural warmth and up-front zest for life.  Considered the world's best uncle by all three nieces.  Enjoys theater, exploring Manhattan neighborhoods, Asian food, art, hardware stores and baseball.  Also biking, volleyball, golf, Nantucket.  Non-dogmatic, unconventional, works hard, plays hard, but good at unwinding, too.  Seeks smart, educated, natural, trustworthy woman, 45 plus for lasting relationship.

Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Susan Fox, marriage and family therapist.  She is founder of Personals Work an ad-writing and consulting service for people seeking romantic partners.