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 Date & Relate
by Sara Hodon
Frustrated with "Do It Yourself" Dating Services?
Try a Matchmaking Service
Dating and trying to find a mate can take up a lot of time. Maybe you’ve been actively looking and going to all of your favorite hot spots. Or maybe you’re taking a more passive approach. You’re always keeping your eyes and options open, but finding a mate is not your top priority. You’ve tried the online dating, but all of the profiles are starting to sound alike, the pictures a blur to you by now. But you want to keep looking. Have you thought about trying a professional matchmaking service?
There are nearly as many matchmaking services as there are online dating sites—as in, there’s really one for everyone. A matchmaking service could be a great option for you if you’re not much into the bar scene or don’t have hours to spend each week (or day) scrolling endlessly through profiles. Or, you may still be a little uneasy about the online dating scene altogether. Though their services and rates may vary, the concept of a matchmaking service is the same—someone else is doing the dirty work of finding you a date.
Here’s a sample of the many professional matchmaking services out there:
Matchmaker International
One of the oldest matchmaking services in the country, Matchmaker International has been connecting singles for the past (NUMBER) years.
All About Singles
I had to include this company since it’s located in my home region of Northeast Pennsylvania, with another location in Fort Collins, Colorado. Singles can visit their website and fill out a short preliminary survey explaining what kind of date you’re looking for. A professional matchmaker will then call you and set up an appointment to develop your personal profile.
It’s Just Lunch
A dating service targeted mainly at the busy professional set, It’s Just Lunch sets up singles for casual lunch dates or after-work drink dates. A lunch date is a good option—they are typically less stressful than an evening date, and who doesn’t like to have lunch plans? Just be careful if you’re meeting someone in the middle of your workday—try not to let your work stress affect your date! It’s Just Lunch has several locations nationwide.
Premier Match
Premier Match is an upscale dating service for “accomplished men and women”, according to their website. Their customers are singles that are “sophisticated, successful, educated, and attractive.” The company has locations in Philly, DC, New York, but does work with singles both nationally and internationally.
Millionaire Connoisseur’s Club
Don’t worry, all you millionaires out there—I didn’t forget you! This company works with the best of the best—the richest, the most successful, and most ambitious men and women in the world. The Millionaire Connoisseur’s Club includes membership at two levels—the exclusive Onyx Club, and the less-exclusive Social Club. Needless to say, the Millionaire Connoisseur’s Club holds a number of fabulous events for their members, and also offers an elite event planning service for their members. In addition to personal matchmaking services, they offer a Concierge Service and can provide difficult to find items at a moment’s notice (imported Swiss chocolates for your grandma’s birthday? Hard-to-get VIP tickets to the hottest party in town? No problem!) and personal assistant services. Unfortunately, if your net worth is less than $1,000,000, they won’t take you on as a client (sorry, folks, but it says so right on their website).
Together
Together offers one-on-one matchmaking, background screens of all clients, and, for those who may need it, a personal relationship coach. They have a number of locations nationwide.
Shoshanna’s Matches
Professional matchmaker Shoshanna Rikon connects professional Jewish singles in New York City and the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). Those interested in trying out her service are asked to complete a preliminary questionnaire, and she does a follow-up consultation in her midtown Manhattan office. According to her website, she is a sought-after expert on dating and love. Her company also hosts events for Jewish singles in New York City and surrounding areas.
The Singles Network
This service is described as a “personal introduction service” and is targeted at singles in New York and Connecticut. Their target market is busy young professionals who are looking to meet new people. They also offer corporate programs and seminars and promise “a private, selective way to meet others for social and cultural activities.”
Gay Options
A reliable source (my best gay friend) has told me more than once that most gay singles meet people online, so I was pleasantly surprised to come across a dating service targeted at same-sex singles. They boast a client list of individuals from 21 to 60, with diverse dating histories. This was the only site to list a membership price. A basic monthly membership is $49, though they have different membership levels with respective benefits.
Date & Relate is published every Thursday by Online
Dating Magazine columnist Sara Hodon.
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