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As any veteran of online dating websites can tell you, there are some usernames that really just should not be used. The following are a few guidelines to consider when you choose your next online dating username.

Gender ID.

It helps on an online dating website if your username gives some indication as to which gender you are. If your gender is a mystery, you will get passed up by many. A lot of people do not want to check out profiles for the people of the gender they do not date.

Real Names are a No-No.

Do not use your full real name. This is a matter of security and privacy.

Age-Appropriate.

Be sure your username is age appropriate. Using a name that is too young or two old can be a big turn-off to many. With this is the use of words such as ‘Princess’, ‘Knight’ and the like. Such words can work, but more often than not they are off-putting as they project an image of someone who is spoiled or putting on an act.

Someone Else’s Name.

I have seen some people use the name of a celebrity as their username. Usually, it has been misleading propaganda designed to get attention. There have been a few occasions in which the person really did look like the celebrity in question, so they used the celebrity name to acknowledge that. I doubt it cut down on the comments they got about it, though. Unless you truly look like the celebrity, I would suggest not using someone else’s name – including fictional people. You are not Batman, but you may be slightly delusional – which is not usually considered to be an attractive quality.

Business Related.

Using your business name as your username is a great way to not get dates. No one on a dating site wants to be hit up about business propositions and buying things. Save your business info for your occupation description and create a username that identifies you.

Self-Importance.

Names that make claims about size, greatness, prowess, and looks are very off-putting. Another thing to consider is that frequently scammers use such names. “IMHot”, “Built2Pleaz”, and “IMA10” are names that come across as egotistical and most likely chosen by liars. Let your date discover your greatness on their own. Such self-important advertising is a huge turn-off.

Playing on words.

This can be a great attention-getter, or it can completely bomb. If your play on words is too obscure it will be off-putting. Remember pronunciation in your username choice, too. Some usernames I have seen have left others scratching their head as to how to pronounce it and what it meant. Some had a very negative meaning when ‘read wrong’.

Here are a few helps for creating a play on words name:

B = be, bee

C = see

G = gee

I = I or eye

M = am

O = oh

P = pee

R = are

T = tea, tee

U = you

Y = why

1 = won, one

2 = to, too, two

4 = for, four

8 = ate, eight

One friend who is now married used the name “Gr8Lady” (Great Lady). She is a great lady, and the name was very easy to read and understand. I have seen others, such as “H82BL8” (Hate to Be Late), and “W84Me” (Wait for Me).

Tips for Creating Your Own Username

When choosing a username, keep in mind those things that describe you that may be appealing or interesting to the kind of person you are looking for. If you have cats that your prospect will have to accept, perhaps indicating that with your username will help you weed out those who can’t live with cats. “Catlady”, “Catman”, “Iluvcats”, and “CatsRule” are all names I have seen used that create a clear impression of fondness for cats.

Use the KISS (Keep It Simple, Sunshine) method, and create a name that is unique to you, interesting, and fun. Hobbies, catch phrases, and words that describe you are all great to use in your username.

Sometimes the fabulous name you want is already taken. Be sure to come up with a few alternatives just in case.

Today’s Question: What is one username you have seen or used that you really liked, and why?