This coed social organization I'm a part of has asked each member to write a 'personal ad' about themselves. Not like a "I like to ski. I want to get my doctorate." type factual ad but something that really says a bit more about who you are. So I sat down and made a list of activities I like, morals, political beliefs I'm unwavering about, personality attributes, etc and tried to come up with a few paragraphs about myself. It's REALLY HARD!!

Each time I read what I've come up with I sound unbelievably conceited. I talked to a friend about this and she was like "Well you are pretty confident which I guess may come off as conceited." = not helpful. I'm a typical overachiever who has so many titles and awards and such that I feel like when I write these things I'm just bragging about myself. If I just leave it to the basics I feel like it's a little deceiving... ie if I say I like the ocean but the fact is that I'm a certified master scuba diver I feel like I'm A) cutting myself short and B) not telling the whole truth.

So I'm sure that some of you have written personal ads for online dating sites or for just social organizations and I thought I'd ask for some advice on how to approach it.

Where do I get started?

Tips?

Websites that may help me out?

Thanks!!

Hi there,
I have never written a personal ad either, but I thought I might try and help. I do agree that saying you are a "certified master scuba diver" is a bit much, but saying you like the ocean doesn't do it for me either. What about saying that you scuba dive for a living, or something clever like you office is in the ocean. Don't get too technical because you might start talking about things that people don't have a clue about and you could scare them away. Just try and put things in terms that the average person can understand and relate to.

Does that make any sense at all?

I think you're right that if you throw in all your achievements that it could put others off through sheer intimidation!

Aside from being confident, how else do your friends describe you? Do you have a great sense of humor? Have a tough outside, but gooey inside?

I think a good write up would include some of your achievements, but also some of your quirks and the traits that make you a good friend. I wouldn't spill everything about yourself, but hint at some things to intrigue people into wanting to know more about you.

Something like:

"I'm a bubbly gal who likes to play Guitar Hero for hours on end, but in my spare time I earned a masters in education and like to teach disadvantaged children. I am a regular at my church, enjoy learning new dishes to cook up, and like spending time at the beach doing outdoor activities whenever I can."

(Note: this is not a description of me! )