PROFILES.

Firstly apologies that there was no post yesterday - Pooter is still being very temperamental and, not to be outdone, the laptop decided to join in and throw a bit of  a wobbly and as it was my birthday I decided not to do battle.

And talking of birthdays, I'd like to share this lovely birthday verse that was sent to me by Arti of  MY YATRA DIARY fame. Thanks Arti.

Along with Love, Dear Petty Witter,

Today I have bought something else too…

Not one, not two,

But truckloads of it just for you,

Close your eyes and hold one of it tight,

Thrust your teeth and take a big bite,

And while you are smiling and savoring the choco-delight,

I pray you always be happy and reach newer heights!

Moving on ....... I found this interesting article in Take A Break magazine and though it is really about the profiles we use on our FaceBook I thought it also probably applies to our blog profiles.

US researchers have found that people are more likely to see you the way you see yourself if your profile image is a photo of you, taken outdoors and with at least one other person in view.

I guess my hedgehog icon, though obviously not a photo, could therefore suggest that I'm a bit of a prickly character, prone to fleas who rolls up into a tight ball at the least sign of trouble - oh well, at least the last bit is true, I don't like confrontation and would curl up if only I could.

Psychologist Dr Colin Gill reveals some of the hidden messages behind your profile picture.

CARTOONS - A great way of preserving your anonymity while signalling a certain outlook on life.

Middle-aged and older surfers often use cartoons in order to look hip and cool, so it's a way of feeling more youthful and dealing with apparently younger people.

The anonymity also allows people who are otherwise quite staid and conformist to exhibit a more rebellious and childish streak.

Well, after reading that statement I may well just have to change my profile. How about using ........?

FAMILY PETS - Pictures of pets immediately identify you to people with shared interests and, if the pets look healthy and happy, are statements about what a caring and pleasant person you are.

Pet pictures are also an invitation to conversation because they give a shared topic that isn't personally intrusive and that can be virtually endless.

CHILDREN - Images of children and family show others what your priorities are. Some people are immensely proud of their kids and want to display to thew rest of the world how wonderful they are.

Although it may appear that the person is being modest about themselves, it actually allows them to bask in the reflected glory of their fantastic family and subtly point out that they must be pretty special to be associated with such great people.

EVER-CHANGING - There is evidence to show that people now have shorter attention spans and expect a lot more change than previous generations.

Youngsters make much more use of networking sites and they are also the group that wants change and excitement most, so it's not surprising that they regularly change the way they present themselves online.

Hmm, interesting given that the most prolific 'profile changer' amongst my FB friends happens to be a man in his forties.

NO PICTURE -  Some people leave a blank space or settle for FB's default head and shoulder outline.

If you don't have a profile picture, people think all sorts of things. You could just be a very private person, but this may leave others wondering what you've got to hide. - Elaine Pearson.

SO, what do you think? What does your profile REALLY say about you?