After a year of frustration with swiping and unsuccessful dates, Brandon found himself curious about a completely different approach: hiring a matchmaker. It sounded old fashioned at first was not matchmaking something from decades past, or only for the ultra wealthy. But a friend mentioned she knew someone who found her husband through a matchmaking service, and that piqued Brandon’s interest. He did some research and scheduled a consultation with a local matchmaking agency. In the first meeting, the matchmaker asked him more about himself than any dating app ever had: his values, long-term goals, past relationship patterns, and even what his childhood was like. It felt like therapy mixed with a job interview, but in a good way. Walking out of that office, Brandon felt oddly hopeful. For once, someone else was going to help shoulder the load of finding a partner.
Matchmaking is making a modern comeback, and it is not just the stuff of romantic movies it is a viable option for many looking for love. Professional matchmakers often boast success rates significantly higher than dating apps (some claim around 70-80% success versus roughly 9% on apps). But how do you know if this route is right for you? Consider some key benefits of personalised matchmaking:
- Quality over quantity: On dating apps, it is easy to get caught in the numbers game, more matches, more chats, but not necessarily quality connections. A matchmaker flips that script. Instead of endless options, you get curated matches chosen based on real compatibility, not just an algorithm. It is like having a human filter who weeds out the mismatched candidates, saving you time and energy.
- Personalised guidance and feedback: A huge perk of matchmaking is the relationship guidance that comes with it. Matchmakers do not just set you up and disappear; the good ones coach you, too. They might give tips on how to improve your profile or first impression, provide feedback after dates, and help you understand any patterns that have been holding you back. It is like having a dating coach and wingman all in one.
- Privacy and discretion: If you are a private person or perhaps a public figure, you might not love having a public dating profile for the world (and all your coworkers) to see. Matchmaking is typically very private; your profile is in the matchmaker’s confidential database, not plastered on an app. Matches are introduced to you confidentially. This controlled environment can feel safer and more comfortable for many.
- Serious intentions assumed: The very act of hiring a matchmaker usually means both you and anyone you are matched with are serious about finding a committed relationship. It filters out the folks who are just looking for casual fun or are not ready to settle down. Brandon noticed that when he went on the first date arranged by his matchmaker, there was a different tone; both he and his date knew they were meeting because they were genuinely open to a long-term relationship. It does not mean love is guaranteed, but the mutual intentions are clear from the get-go.
- Great for busy people (or those burnt out on apps): Maybe you’re clocking 60-hour weeks at your job, or you are a single parent (as we discussed earlier), or you simply find the apps are not yielding results and you are exhausted by them. Matchmakers are especially handy for those who do not have the time or desire to sift through hundreds of profiles. You outsource the hunt to a professional, like how you might hire a recruiter to find you the perfect job candidate. As one expert noted, matchmaking is a good fit for people who are burned out from dating apps, too busy to date on their own, or unsure what they really want.
Of course, matchmaking comes with considerations: it often has a financial cost, and you will need to be ready to be open and honest with your matchmaker (they can only work with what you tell them). It is also not an overnight solution it may take months to find the right match. But for Brandon, and many like him, the investment was worth the outcome. After a few months of working with his matchmaker, he met Alina on his fourth arranged date. The connection was immediate and real, something he had not felt in years of app dating. Now, they often joke that they might never have crossed paths if not for that professional “Cupid” who brought them together.
Call to Action: If the dating grind has you wondering if there is a better way, take a moment to reflect: do the benefits of matchmaking resonate with you? Imagine having an experienced ally in your corner, guiding you to potential matches. Consider researching reputable matchmakers in your area or reading reviews of other experiences. A simple inquiry or consultation (many are free) could help you decide if this path aligns with your needs. Finding love is a personal journey, whether through an app or a matchmaker, but it is worth exploring all avenues if it leads you to your person.
Sources: theknot.com