THESE DAYS, IF you’re looking for a date and you don’t fancy the pub scene, it’s likely you take to the internet.

However, it wasn’t too long ago that newspapers and magazines were the place to find like-minded people ‘looking for friendship or love’.

In fact, some publications still print personal ads, Ireland’s Own, for example.

Should you be considering putting one out there, here are some tips of what not to do.

Try not to make yourself sound like a potential threat

Via @conor_horgan

Don’t get too specific

Geekfill

If you do have a very specific need, perhaps offer some explanation

Smosh

Try to be consistent

Xoxor

Try to be realistic about what your match might be like

Acid Cow

Try not to include superfluous information

Fotozup

Try to make it seem like you are genuinely interested in the process

Imgur

Try to paint yourself in a positive light

Imgur

Get someone to check it over for spelling and punctuation

Huff Po

Leave your kids out of it

Poegeyed

Try not to sound full of yourself

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Happy dating!

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