Dear Heloise: A few years ago, I started an online dating app for people who are looking to meet someone nice, whether it’s for anything from friendship to marriage. We’re not a big company, but so far, we’ve been successful.

Women seem to be rather honest. Some shave off a few pounds, but for the most part, they are sincere. So, these hints are mainly for men, who’ve been known to shed a decade off of their age and use a blurry photo of them that was taken around 2010:

— Guys, get a haircut. A nice shirt (no Hawaiian prints) in a solid color will show you off to your best advantage. If you have facial hair, make sure that it’s trimmed and neat. By the way, most women aren’t fond of comb-overs, but that’s up to you.

— Make certain that your photo was take within 16 months of the day you post it online. If you don’t have a current photograph of yourself, have someone use a cellphone to take a picture of you, then post it. Women like to see you, and you’re probably better looking than you think. And remember to smile! A nice, natural, friendly smile goes a long way.

— If you have a pet, include them in at least one or two photos. Studies show that women like men with a dog, a cat, and other little pets. They feel it shows a tender, sweeter side to a man.

— Relax, just be yourself, and above all, always be honest with a lady. Somehow they usually know when you’re lying. In our last survey, the majority of women weren’t looking for wealth or George Clooney’s doppelganger. They just wanted an honest, hardworking man who appreciates them and enjoys going out occasionally. So, be that man! — Frank M., Encino, California

BLOOD STAINS

Dear Heloise: I accidently found a good solution for a blood-stained towel. I put it in the shower like a tub mat when I was using lukewarm water for a shower. My husband also left it there while he showered. Subsquently, I put it into a wash load of regular towels, and it came out clean with no stains. — Gladys G., via email

Gladys, the warmer the water, the more likely it is for a blood stain to set in. Generally speaking, I advise people to wash blood stains in cold water after using a prewash spray for stains. But I know you mentioned that you used lukewarm water, so it looks like you’ve found a new way to deal with blood stains. — Heloise

DIRT REMOVER

Dear Heloise: I would love to see someone invent some sort of device that automatically removes dirt and debris from the bottom of our shoes before entering the house. It would be such a time-saver for me! — Debbie, Waterbury, Connecticut

Debbie, I’d love an invention like this, too. Other than a “boot scraper” by the front door, I don’t know of anything else like it. However, many of my readers will keep slippers by the door that people put on once they’re inside. They refer to them as their “indoor shoes.” This keeps their floors nice and considerably cleaner. — Heloise

RENTAL EMERGENCIES

Dear Heloise: When staying at a rental property, always know the physical address in case of an emergency. We had a recent emergency and could not give the ambulance the address of the place where we were staying, so we had to spend precious time describing the location of the cottage. Those who rent a property should display the address in a prominent location for the same reason. — J., in Connecticut

— — —

Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.