The personal profile that you post onto an online dating site is the key to attracting and meeting the right person.

However writing about yourself can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a blank computer screen. You want to appear confident but not arrogant, independent but caring, adventurous but sensitive and above all someone who on paper represents the true you. It can be very difficult.

A good way to start your profile writing is to take a few minutes out to scribble down some thoughts about yourself on a piece of paper.

For example answer the following questions about yourself:

What am I like physically? How old am I, how tall am I, what colour hair and eyes do I have?

What is my current personal situation? Where do I live, what is my marital status, do I have kids, am I working?

What do I like? Do I like being at home or down the pub, am I a sports nut or do I prefer other interests, what food do I like and when was the last time that I had a really good night out?

What am I looking for? Am I searching for someone to marry, to have kids with or simply to meet up with now and again for drinks and something to eat.

What makes me special? What can I offer someone else, what do my friends and family like about me, what have I achieved in life or what am I aiming for?

What are my little querks? Do I like Brown sauce with everything, am I addicted to Eastenders, does politics make my blood boil, do I like red or white wine?

What do I love in life?Is it cuddles on a cold night, the Sunday Papers in Bed, football on Saturday with the lads, walking the dog?

All of these things make up the bits and pieces that ensure that you are special, individual and a one-off. And these will be the tit-bits of information that attract a like minded soul to your profile and hopefully into your life.

Once you have complied your list and given it some thought sit yourself down and write your first draft remembering the following five golden rules:

Be Honest!

Imagine turning up to meet a six foot two professional polo player and instead meeting a five foot one dog trainer. The key to all relationships is honesty and if you are dishonest to start with you are on a hiding to nothing. Be yourself and be proud of who you are, not who you may wish to be or feel that you have to be.

A Picture Paints A Thousand Words!

If you want more responses, add a great picture to your profile. Try to find one that accurately represents the way you look in normal life. Think about how you present yourself and your dress. Stuffing your rugby socks down your Speedos and posing semi-nude to show off your once a fortnight gym muscles and tattoos saying "I Love My Mum" may at the time be a good idea but they are unlikely to attract anyone who your mum would actually approve off. Similarly showing off your well washed and slightly off-white Marks and Spencers Bra, G-string and Stocking Combo set will attract a certain sort on interest in your profile. Interest that may be unwelcome. Think carefully about how you want to portray yourself and dress accordingly.

Read All About It!

Think of a snappy headline. Boy Seeks Girl isnt going to attract a lot of attention. Be creative but do not stray too far from the truth. "Brad look-a-like seeks his Angelie - Jennifers need not apply," will catch people's attention but you may fall down with regard to your photo!

Get Real!

Reveal a little of the true you. What have you been through in your life, how has it shaped you, what do you believe in? The more personal the profile the better the response. Just do not reveal any personal contact details.

Make Spell Check Your Friend

First impressions count and you do not want your first impression to be negative due to bad spelling or grammar. Check your profile over and over again and if you can get someone else to check it.

One Final Tip From Us

When choosing your site user name avoid phrases such as bunny boiler, mad stalker, nasty cow or nutcase. They instantly bring to mind negative connotations and will possibly turn off that one person whom you were destined to meet.

Remember your online profile is all about presenting yourself in the most favourable light. Once you have posted it on the site, review it now and again. It may be slightly cringe worthy to re-read it but take the time out to make sure that it is truly reflective of the person you wish to be seen as.