DEAR ABBY: I am one of your male readers. I posted my profile on an Internet site for singles. The site contains a significant amount of personal information. All the information I entered was accurate except for my age. I said I was six years younger than my chronological age.
I did it for two reasons: First, I neither look nor act my age. I take excellent care of my body and my chronological age doesn't reflect who I am. Second, individuals conduct a search based on only two parameters -- the age range desired and geographic location. Thus, many women would never view my profile because I would fall outside the age range considered acceptable.
I had sent and received several e-mails from a delightful young lady. At one point, she asked me whether the age listed in my profile was accurate. I immediately told her the truth and the rationale I had used for listing myself as younger. She immediately informed me that she was no longer interested in communicating with me because I had lied.
Was I wrong to list an age in my profile that wasn't accurate, even though I am more youthful than most people my age? -- LOOKING FOR LOVE, COLUMBUS, OHIO
DEAR LOOKING: Yes, you were wrong. Although many people of both sexes lie online -- about everything from height, to weight, to income level -- the truth has a way of coming to light in the end. And when it does, the inevitable question that follows is: "What ELSE has this person been lying about?" That's a very poor way to start any meaningful relationship.
It is best not to engage in false advertising -- and if you're going to post a photograph, make it a recent one so there are no disappointments.