Newly single and interested in using online personals to meet people? There are a couple of special tips you should know before you get started. Being a new single, especially after a long relationship, places you in a unique position.

No matter how recent your singlehood, you should be aware that you'll have an unavoidable bit of psychological ‘baggage' that might hamper your online dating efforts. It doesn't matter how much or how little baggage you have. What's important is to be on the lookout for ways this baggage creeps into your profile.

When you create your profile, keep an out for anything that suggests bitterness, heartbreak or desperation. These emotions often creep out in subtle ways, so don't assume it will be something obvious.

For instance, let's say you're still feeling a twinge of sadness over being single. You might give your profile a headline like "Are you out there?"  This may seem innocent enough to you, but to others it suggests you might be desperate in your search for love.

Let's look at another example. Many new singles write their profiles around the list of things they don't want in their next relationship, based on their past one. This is also a mistake. While it might seem like a good idea to specify that you want someone who "doesn't lie, cheat or snore", it comes across to others as petty and a little bit bitter!

The key to online dating is to remain as upbeat and positive about the process as you possibly can. Know in advance that you aren't likely to meet your match right away. Instead, you'll probably meet a few duds and few people who become really great friends before you finally meet that special someone.

This is ok. Be proud of your single status. It means you have the freedom to choose, and freedom of choice is half the battle!