How to fill in your interests box

When it comes to your Forces Penpals profile, most of the things you'll be asked to include will just involve typing short, single word answers, or even picking an option from a drop-down box.

It's all very easy – but one section that can sometimes cause some concerns is the 'About you/Interests' box – partly because this is simply a little more open-ended.

Sometimes, when people are faced with a space to write something more general about themselves like this, they're not sure what to say – but the fact is, there's no reason why this part of your profile should be any trickier to fill in than the rest!

As we advise, personal contact details and website addresses are not allowed in this section. But there are plenty of things that would be appropriate. Here are some ideas, keeping in mind that the space is your to play with. So – as long as you're appropriate and polite – why not get creative?

Hobbies

One of the most obvious things to think about is the things you do in your spare time. This is a great way to let people know a little bit about you, and if someone spots your profile and shares one of the hobbies, they'll have an instant topic to use if they want to kick off a conversation with you!

Try and think of the things you do that people would be most interested in hearing about, as well those that other people are likely to share – both will create a good starting point for conversation.

Ambition

If things go well, it will eventually be important for someone you strike up a relationship with online to know that you both have compatible paths in life.

Talking about where you would like your life to go – not necessarily in terms of work, but in terms of some of the things you'd like to happen one day more widely – could be a good option. Remember that it's not usually a good idea to be too personal, though. Personal ambitions you wouldn't tell a stranger can wait until later in the relationship!

Who and what are you looking for?

You can tell us various qualities you're looking for in a penpal elsewhere, but it's also sometimes appropriate to give some indication of that in the interests box. Don't be too specific and prescriptive, as this can look a little rude, and also, you may end up putting off someone who would really be perfect for you!

Work

You may want to be a little vague about work, for security reasons. But it's certainly good to give an idea of the type of work you do, because this is a big part of your life, which people will want to know about!

If you don't enjoy your job, don't moan, though! Not only is this bad form towards your employer, it's also important to be upbeat in everything that you put on your profile – people are more likely to be attracted to you if you show your positive side!

Culture

We all like culture, even if we don't know it. 'Culture' isn't all about theatre, novels and the opera!

If someone else has seen a film you list as one you like on your profile, for example, they'll already feel some connection to you, even before you start chatting. The same goes for any other kind of culture. You could spend many messages discussing just a single film, game or TV show you enjoy with someone!

Skills

Writing about skills you have, like whether you are great in the kitchen, or at certain sports, can be very attractive. It's also good to be a little modest, but remember that it usually looks a lot more attractive if you look like you're aware of your own good points (while being humble) when you fill in this sort of thing, rather than being 'down on yourself'.