It takes some skill to read through the personal ads. It might, one day, be considered an art. Do you find yourself skimming through the personal ads, searching for the person that meets your needs and desires but without much success? Have you been looking for love in the wrong profiles, or are you searching for what is not written in the lines of a personal ad? If you read more into a personal ad than what is actually in the profile or in the pages of the personal classifieds, you may find yourself dating a person that does not have the same dating ideas or the same objective in a relationship that you do.

            Listings in the personals section are from people like you, people who want to meet someone special. Starting with personal ads is a great way to meet someone. Maybe, though, you're reading the profile of someone who wants to find just a friend or perhaps the profiles you're reading are from people who are also searching for love in a relationship. You must learn to be a distinctive reader.

            The odds are for in finding a companion or lover are in your favor when searching the personal ads. Obviously, if the profiles you're reading are not seeking some type of friendship or relationship, they would not be there in the first place. However, deciding who you will make contact with can be the most difficult part of your search.

            Your journey will require the need to look within yourself to discover what you type of relationship you're truly looking for. Do you want a friend, a lover or a lifetime commitment? Whatever you decide, choose the replies and profiles that meet your criteria in your search for a relationship. Narrowing down your search will make the personals much easier to sort through. Sitting in front of your computer and reading all the personal ads presented may be overwhelming with so much information and choices to be made. Focusing on the type of relationship you're searching for saves time and minimizes frustration.

            If you are searching for a friend or companion only through the personal ads, start with profiles that state this specifically in their profile, which you will find many. In discussing profiles of those who are not looking for a serious relationship, you may find the following phrases used: 'want to have a good time',' not looking for a relationship' and 'not willing to give my heart away', 'just want to spend some time with you' or 'seeking another with a great listening ear'. There are various words used expressing friendship, companionship and those just looking to date. Use these expressions and words to help you sort through the personal ads narrowing your decision among the many people listed.

            Profiles of people looking for friendship use words like: 'looking for fun', 'friendship', 'no commitments', 'companion wanted', 'only looking for a good time', 'need help in building my confidence', 'I want to roller blade in the park all day'. Finding words that express fun and friendship stating no commitments or relationship will help you sort through the profiles.

            If you're looking for that special someone to be more than just friends, look for phrases such as 'looking for love', 'searching for that someone special', 'more than friends', 'quiet and cozy', 'easy going and lovable', 'special times', 'treasured moments', and words similar to 'lovable'.

            The idea here is to look beyond the photo and all the things they like to do and try to determine if both of you are on the same page when it comes to the kind of relationship you're seeking. Most of this is obvious. Many online dating sites have places in their profiles for you to specify the type of relationship you're looking for. Others don't. You need to read what the other person is saying and not what you hope they're saying.

            What about your own profile? Read it over again. Does it really express your thoughts about a relationship, what type of relationship you're seeking and whom you are expecting to meet? Will the person reading it get a good idea of what the type of person you're searching for, what qualities you desire, and how far you want the relationship to mature? If not, clarify your words, express your thoughts and ideas so that those who are reading your profile can connect easily with you.

            Matching personality and desired relationship doesn't have to be difficult. Express yourself and "listen" to what the other person is saying.