Careful consideration of any personals profile is an effort well spent. Aside from the phony photo or bogus lifestyle, the profile you’re reading may harbor more untruths; some can be dangerous.

For more than two years my wife Loren and I have presented a great deal of information via this column. The subject of honest profiles is among the top issues we need to address. Although men aren’t usually targeted, they need to be on the alert.

Loren, share some the results of what you’ve discovered over the past month.

LOREN: “First, there are tell-tale signs in personals ads and/or profiles. For example, the one-line ad from a guy calling himself, Don Hammer saying, I want to eat your pussy! should raise a red flag. Mr. Hammer is presenting himself as less than a gentleman.”

TANNER: I’ve seen similar one-liners from women.

LOREN: “Would you respond to such an ad?”

TANNER: To be honest, I’d read her profile first. But, I have to admit, as a younger, less mature male, I would have been aroused by a woman whose ad said, I want to suck your cock.

LOREN: “Thanks for the honesty. Actually, some females might get the same tingle. However, most women wouldn’t go beyond the one-line ad. Those who did would find more garbage from Mr. Dirt bag. His ad has clearly stated his disrespect for women. After the usual, personal information, comes the, what I’m looking for part of the profile.”

TANNER: And there lies the truth.

LOREN: “Or the untruth.”

TANNER: The dude came off as crude from the get-go. His profile would display the same mentality.

LOREN: “Yes, but in a different way. Nearly all the ads and profiles I studied, with the Mr. Dirt Bag approach had a softer tone in the, what I’m looking for area.”

TANNER: Did they change their crude comments to something nicer; like wanting to have oral sex, etc.?

LOREN: “Exactly, and they suggested phone calls and meeting for coffee. Every one of them promised to respect any limits the lady might have.”

TANNER: Yeah, right.

LOREN: “Ladies have to be alert and learn to read between the lines. Up front, if the man’s ad is aggressive and crude – go no further. Don’t fall victim to soft-talk in the body of a profile. If you do make contact insist on phone calls first and a public meeting after you feel comfortable. From there, use your good sense.”

TANNER: Let’s back up a step here. If all the guy’s pictures are of his dick – forget phone calls or any meeting. Should the dude insist on more provocative photos of you … be careful.

LOREN: “We must take into account one of the reasons men and women place a personal ad. Specifically, the person is looking for sex for the sake of sex alone.”

TANNER: Granted – I’m all for it. If that’s the case, you’re at your own risk. Just make sure you can handle what you might be getting into.

LOREN: “Agreed. For a woman the risk is always higher if she intends to have an intimate encounter with a stranger. It always makes a great movie plot.”

TANNER: Such as, Fatal Attraction. Don’t forget the ending.

LOREN: “Harsh example, but well worth thinking about. What’s necessary is keeping things in perspective and using good, common sense. Propped up in bed with your favorite sex toy, while reading a hot sex story, will never harm you. That’s usually not enough so – be careful.”

TANNER: No matter how you slice it or whatever you’re looking for, we’re back to the topic issue: consider the personal ad, who it’s from and read the profile and read it again.

LOREN: “Look before you leap!”