Advice

Optimism can have a positive effect on finding a soul-mate. There will be rejections. Everyone else is going through it too. Be patient and persistent. If you have selected several prospective dates after reading their profiles and wish to contact them via email, it is a good idea to send individual emails and put some thought into contacting each person. Do not copy and paste 25 exactly same emails and send them off. If your email is not sincere, you may be over-looked.
 

Writing the Profile
How can you create an attention grabbing profile? Here are some steps. Please note that Midlife Dating Network staff screens each profile and will disallow violence-oriented, hate-related and distasteful sexual material.

Create your text in a word processor, then copy and paste it into the profile form. Use a spell checker. Take your time developing your profile so that you stand out from the crowd. You need to be specific. What are your favorite movies, songs, singers, hobbies, sports, etc? If you have a great sense of humor then show it through your profile. What type of relationship you want (i.e. long-term committed, recreational dating only). What are your personal habits (i.e. non-smoker, like to travel, work out at the gym). What are your values (i.e. Christian values, one woman man, hard-working, devoted mother of two). Do not mislead people. You don't want to set people up for a surprise later by stretching the truth in your profile. For example, if you hate mountain biking, don't say you love it just to grab the eye of an outdoorsy type.

Protect your anonymity. Do not disclose your home address, telephone number or place of employment in the profile until you get to know someone well and feel safe. Do not use your primary email address. Create an anonymous email account (such as a Hotmail or Yahoo account) to correspond with potential dates. Some people have signatures attached to their emails. Turn this feature off if it contains information such as a phone number or your company name. Stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for personal information. Use selective blocking (for example *67, check your phone book), before making your first phone call. This will prevent your phone number from showing on their caller ID. 

As part of your profile, the photo is one of the most important elements. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words. Your smile, the background you are photographed in, what you are wearing-- they all say something about you. Including a recent photo will get you more attention from prospective dates. Post a picture that is current. Current means a year or less. Try to be positive, upbeat and conversational in your profile. It's a good idea to avoid mentioning past relationships and exes, or mentioning being lonely or desperate.
 

First Meeting
Take the time to get to know the person before agreeing to meet him or her in person. Exchange emails for a while and then talk on the phone. Feel free to ask questions so that you can determine if you want to date this person. If possible, find out in advance about the place where you will be meeting. Find out what your date likes or dislikes. The first time you meet, it should be in a public place, but not too crowded. Try meeting during the day. Coffee or lunch dates are recommended. Both of you should be driving in your own cars to the meeting place. Leave your date’s name and telephone number with a friend. Have this friend verify your safe return home. If you are late due to a traffic problem, call your date to tell him/her about your possible delay. If you must have an alcoholic beverage, have only one and do not leave your drink unattended.

Treat your date with respect. Be considerate and patient. Do not be opinionated on a date. Try to avoid discussions on politics and religion in the early stages. Be a good listener. Relax and be yourself. Being yourself means not pretending to be something you are not and being confident enough to be honest with your date.

Red Flags
Be cautious and watch for red flags. For example, he or she provides inconsistent or inaccurate information about age, interest, appearance, martial status, profession, etc.; refuses to answer your questions directly; refuses to speak to you on the phone; is rude or describes others in derogatory terms. Don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.