Every time you log in to your personal profile you see the same message: “Find Friends on MySpace.” But what if you’re not looking for existing friends but rather new ones? Even, perhaps, potentially romantic friends? Fear not. MySpace was designed to be a social networking site, so read ahead to learn how to be more sociable and network yourself right into a relationship.
Get your account set up
Set up an account and use it frequently and to the fullest extent. The more you customize your page with things that represent your personality and ideals, the more likely you are to attract people with whom you have something in common. Remember that you’re creating an online presence on a social networking site, and in some respect you really are trying to “sell” yourself. In addition, having a substantial number of people on your friend’s list gives the impression that you’re well liked and friendly.
Start attracting friends by being one
It’s also important to be sociable. While the site might be called “MySpace,” it’s not all about you. There’s an adage in the advertising industry that says “To make money you have to spend money.” Similarly, to make friends you have to be a friend. Comment on people’s pages, but keep it tasteful and tactful. Furthermore, don’t persist with unwanted attention. The stalker look isn’t flattering on anyone.
Don’t forget the pictures!
Include flattering photos of yourself. Attraction is both physical and emotional, so let people know what you look like. All people have a “type” to some extent, and if you meet their criteria physically they’re more likely to try to make a connection with you because of an initial physical attraction. Further, your main profile picture should be recent. If the best photo you have is five years and 40 pounds ago, you’re going to set yourself and anyone who expresses interest in you up for disappointment if you meet in person.
Find a person you like
Seek out people by using the filtering options available on MySpace. The site allows its users to search for people by age, zip code, gender, school, etc. Keep in mind, however, that unless you are interested in a long distance relationship you should keep your parameters fairly local.
How to set the profile: private vs. public
To increase your chances of meeting someone, don’t set your profile to private. While this is a great safety precaution, you severely limit the number of people to whom you’re visible if you have a private profile.
Be honest on MySpace
You also need to be honest about who you are. If you’re drawn to drummers but wouldn’t know a timpani from a tom tom, don’t say that you’re in a band. Rather, keep it simple and say that you’re interested in learning about drumming. Relatedly, don’t forget that anyone can create a MySpace profile and then fill it with any information he or she wants. That person who seems to match every single one of your key points could very well be an elderly Dutch woman who spends her spare time polishing wooden shoes and planting tulips.
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