Originality
“Emoticons and ‘hi there’ show a serious lack of imagination,” says Daisy, 22, of Oneida, N.Y. “I look for

	“I look for something clever or so zany it just begs me to click.”

something clever or so zany it just begs me to click.”

Example: “Looking for the perfect blendship” or “Give Fate a Nudge.”

Interests
“I’m drawn to subject lines featuring quotes from or references to movies, theatre or literature,” notes Dani, 41, of Bar Harbor, ME. “It shows we have similar interests.”

Avoid references that have become clichés. “I see a lot of ‘As freaky as you wanna be…’s,” laments Jessica, 28, of Los Angeles. “If I wrote them back, which I wouldn’t, I’d ask if we could take a trip to funky town, too?”

Good example: “I think I’m quite ready for another adventure,” from The Lord of the Rings.

Bad example: “Have the lambs stopped screaming?” from Silence of the Lambs.

Informed
“Chicks dig guys who pay attention,” quips Char, 27, of Novato, CA. “Show me you actually read my profile and reference

“I’m always speeding through my mail, so a direct subject line gets my vote every time.”

something in there.”

Example: “I have a dog, too. How about a puppy play date?” or “I’m from Seattle, too. Go Huskies!”

Ask questions
“Everybody likes to talk about themselves, even on email,” admits Carole, 32, of Weaubleau, MO. “So why not ask right off the bat?”

Example: “What’s the wackiest thing that’s ever happened to you (besides this)?” or “I’ve learned a lot from reading about you. How can I learn more?”

Directness
“I’m always speeding through my mail, so a direct subject line gets my vote every time,” says Dana, 35, of Champagne, IL. “It says what it means, means what it says. What’s not to like?”

Example: “I just want to have fun and get to know new guys” or “Wanted: Fun, passion and romance.”

Off-beat
“I’ve got a skewed sense of humor, and I’m looking for someone just as off-kilter,” says Pilar, 43, from Reno, NV.

Example: “Corduroy pillows—they’re making headlines” or “Are you going to eat that?”

Confidence
“Confidence is sexy,” notes Martina, 39, of Baltimore, MD. “I like subject lines that are confident, but not cocky.”

Example: “Only an email stands between us” or “Cupid’s not stupid.”

Margot Carmichael Lester is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to Happen magazine.