Online Dating Advice: How to Write a Great Personal Ad Listing for Men Seeking Women

There are many comments and mistakes in personal ads that can be a huge turn-off. The first step in making an attractive ad is to use spell-check before posting and don't use any cheesy pick-up lines. By avoiding the following issues your personal ad will be much more successful.

Still bitter about a past relationship? There are many personal listings that primarily are ranting about a former relationship. This type of listing isn't going to attract anyone who is sane and stable. If you're still broken-hearted, it isn't the time to be seeking a new relationship. Also, it isn't attractive to harp on how your last girlfriend was clingy, lazy, cheap, etc. Instead of complaining about former relationships, be honest that you value your alone time, etc.

Only looking for a booty call? Be sure to include the level of seriousness sought in a relationship: long-term, dating, friends, or intimate encounter. The ad reads as a bit false if it states that a long term relationship is sought, but goes on to say that you don't have any free time at all. Most girls are going to interpret that as, 'seeking female who can drop by at a moment's notice for sex.'

You're really into how many hobbies and activities? If all the guys who listed they went fishing and hunting every weekend actually did, there wouldn't be any wildlife left! For a relationship to blossom there needs to be some common interests. But this cannot happen if your entire ad is a lie. Be honest about exercise habits, church attendance, drinking habits, drug use, friends, family, etc.

Desperate or needy? Everyone gets lonely now and then, but obsessing about being lonely and wanting to "settle down," isn't going to have the effect you're looking for. To some degree, everyone is a bit lonely if they've resorted to a dating service but you don't have to admit it.

Passing the buck on "women's work"? Does finding a new mommy for your kids sound like a good plan? Do your elderly parents need a caregiver? Is the housework overwhelming? Many single fathers have ads that sound as if this is why they have the ad. If you're only seeking a relationship for these reasons, it's going to be obvious.

Looking for a Barbie doll? It's creepy when an ad says, seeking a woman who feels comfortable wearing jeans or a dress. It's implied that you want someone versatile, but the phrasing comes off as controlling. Try saying instead that you enjoy formal as well as causal events. I promise that women are smart enough to figure out that they'd need to dress to match their date. But if you really are that controlling then get a Barbie doll. Barbie won't complain when you change her hair and clothes.

Being too specific? If you really only want to date brunettes then that's exactly what you should say. But if that's more the fantasy and in reality blondes are attractive too then it's best not to comment. It doesn't work to say - "my ideal woman is a red head with green eyes, but if that doesn't describe you then message me anyway." Telling girls upfront that they aren't your dream girl isn't going to attract them.

Pictures? Everyone knows that a recent picture completes a profile. It's also good to wear clothes in the picture as opposed to being shirtless. Explain everyone shown in the photo if there are other people, children, pets, etc. A headshot is going to be the best photo. Posting a picture of yourself in a cap and sunglasses, though, leaves one to wonder what you're hiding. Are you balding or have crossed eyes? A picture really needs to show your face. Most ladies like a man who is clean shaven with some hair on his head. But posting a picture that you currently don't look like is going to make it awkward when you meet.