Tips & Tricks: The Hunt

Foreword:
Now that you have a well crafted and eye catching profile, you have the tools you need to get things going and start looking for someone who catches your eye.  LET THE HUNT COMMENCE! - S

Meat & Potatoes:
I highly recommend being honest when setting your search parameters.  If you know that you don't want to look at anyone over or under a certain age, set it accurately.  If you smoke and only want to date a smoker, then click that little box.  I know that we all like to say that we are 'open minded' about someone's 'flaws' but your initial search should be for what you're looking for.  Think about what truly are deal breakers for you and start there.  You can always go back through and change your settings later.

Personally, I don't put a TON of value in match percentages.  Sure they can help with the basics, and probably anyone with 99% Enemy is a bad choice?  Don't be afraid to go through the profiles with the lower percentages.  Differences are interesting!  You can still have plenty in common if you're only a 75% match.  Unless you do want to date yourself, then carry on I say.  Or give up now and start saving up for prostitutes.  Okay okay, start saving up for your Brazzers subscription....or more mirrors at your place...etc :-D

Lets be honest, you will look straight at the photos eliminating people immediately through their main profile photo.  That's just life and it's fine.  If you don't find them attractive then you don't, it's just that simple.  However, don't be afraid to click on that profile where you feel like it could go either way, or their photo catches your eye because of something interesting.  I personally know that I put myself with random or funny crap just to add a touch of my humor to things.  If you can't enjoy the fact that I stopped to take a photo with Gumby at a street festival then we probably wouldn't get along anyway.

Now I know this sounds really brutal and harsh but once you've clicked on a profile don't be afraid to be a critic and watch for warning signs.  Some typos are ok, but if it's riddled with them, and that bothers you... let it bother you and move on.  She hates all things that you're deeply into?  Move on.  She wants 15 children and you want to stay childless?  EEEEEEhhhhhttt!  Keep on searching.  These are extreme examples, but you get the idea.  You want their profile to say something about themselves and not scare you away.  Here are some warning signs that I've personally noticed from dating profiles that are giant red flags.

"I'm not looking for drama" - This means that somehow, magically DRAMA seems to follow them.  If you look around, and you have no friends who are <insert typical fatal flaw here> then it's probably you.

"I am ______ but I'm not defensive/crazy/over the top about it" - If you feel the need to put it out there, then that means that you are and someone called you out on it.  I once had a guy who claimed not to be a bible thumper and flipped out that I pointed out him messaging me seemed to contradict what he says he's looking for.  Not everyone who states something like this is going to be a hypocrite, but if they go one for more than a sentence or two about it, methinks the lady doth protest too much.

Blank profiles - Fucker is just looking for ass, is lazy, or not patient enough to actually put in the work.  Unless you're looking for ass, a lazy person or someone who is impatient, you might want to move on.  Often times, they're really just trolling for ass with a blank profile.  If that's what you're looking for, then way to go!  If you're relationship minded, then you might want to pass by that chiseled stomach/fat ass/huge rack etc...after a moment long enough to commit it to the spank bank.

Reflection:
These are just a few of the things to keep an eye out for, but the thing that you really need to remember is to trust your gut.  If you're afraid of crowds, and they frequent music festivals...perhaps things aren't meant to be.  Be open minded, but not too narrow minded as to pass everyone up based on a ridiculous set of standards.

The last, and probably most important thing to keep in mind is to NOT rely solely on their photos.  I mean, yeah, if you think that she shares a striking resemblance to Monroe from Grimm in his vogue state...and that DOESN'T do something for you, don't waste either of your time.  On the flip side, don't put up with bullshit from someone just because they're insanely hot and you think that you will put up with anything just to get a chance to tap that.  You are better than that.  Or maybe you're not, and you just want to tap every possible piece of hot tail you can...then by all means.  Wait, why are you reading this then? lol

That's all I've got for now.  Go forth!  Don't forget your deer urine.  Eww.

Next week, I teach you how to craft a message that probably won't send her running for the hills.  Probably.