Matchmaking Services
From dating
Using matchmaking services sounds kind of old-fashioned, but in reality a lot of the dating web sites out there today have some component of matchmaking to them. Whether you're going the digital route or looking for more traditional options, here's all you need to know about matchmaking services.
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What is a Matchmaker?
Most people of a few certain generations probably immediately think of the movie Fiddler on the Roof when they think of matchmakers. In some cultures matchmakers have been and still are used to introduce people who might make a good match. Matchmakers might be used to find prospects for an arranged marriage, or love might be allowed in the picture.
There are still human matchmakers who will gather information on you and prospective suitors and suggest people you should meet.
The main difference between using matchmaking services and using an online dating site is that when you're doing online dating you are the one making a choice as to who you will talk to. When you use a matchmaker, that person chooses who he or she thinks will be a good match for you.
Pros of Matchmaking
Dealing with a matchmaking service is much more personalized than using a dating service, even an offline dating service. Matchmakers are interested in your success, which can't be said of dating services. They are selective about the people they will accept, usually based on whether they think they already have a match among their clients.
They work hard to match people who are compatible, so you won't waste your time looking through online ads for people you would never meet or going out with people you don't click with. This can speed up the process and make it a lot less frustrating.
Choosing a Matchmaker
Of course there are bad matchmaking services just like there are good and bad in every other business in the world. To make sure you're getting a good matchmaker, do some comparison shopping.
When you talk with the service, how do they make you feel? Is there a lot of pressure for you to sign up? Does the price seem really high? What do you get for your money?
Choosing the right matchmaking service should be based on a combination of value for your money and the way the people make you feel. You will need to trust them to help you make one of the biggest decisions of your life, so don't take your choice lightly.
Online Matchmaking Services
Just because a human is involved in matchmaking does not mean you can't find a matchmaker online. Traditional matchmakers online like Samantha's Table and Janis Spindel usually cater to high-end clients.
These services involve an application or interview process and then the human matchmaker will look through her database to find people you are likely to hit it off with.
Traditional Matchmakers can provide you with a good rundown of the process that is used by most matchmakers, online or off. First you complete a registration process and send a photo to the company.
A matchmaker then contacts you to do an extensive interview. This gives the matchmaker an opportunity to learn more about your likes and dislikes as well as what kind of person you are.
After the matchmaker has gone through the data that you have provided, you will be sent matches, either to a website that you can sign into or via e-mail, depending on the service. You can either accept or decline the match and explain why you are declining so the matchmaker can give you better picks in the future.
Pseudo-Matchmakers
There are some online dating services that are closer to matchmaking services even though there may not be a person involved in choosing your matches. eHarmony is not a true matchmaking service, but it is probably the closest that any of the big dating websites get.
eHarmony requires applicants to fill out an extensive questionnaire giving their history, interests, personal opinions and more. This personality matrix is then compared to other people who have signed up for the service, and you are sent information on the people who are most compatible with the answers you provided. It is still up to you to contact the people in question to make a match.
Another good choice is 2 of a Kind. This site allows people to list up to three hobbies, goals, personality traits, sports interests, eating habits, whether you smoke or drink and more. When you apply, the site sends you your top four matches.
Comments
Maya,
We have quite a few articles here that discuss different dating sites and matchmaking services. What works best for you is usually unique to your needs, so I recommend trying a few out to see. Most of them will offer you a free trial.
-- Contributed by: Debbie VasenI tried almost all online dating services but i am not happy. I keep membership only ehamorony. I want to use matchmaking services. most of them are expensive. I may afford e-love ( the right one) and it is just a lunch. I visited e-love office in NYC and was impressed. which service can you advise?
-- Contributed by: mayaSassiered, thanks for the question. My advice is to use the traditional dating sites like match, eHarmony, yahoo, etc. and then in your profile explain what you are looking for in a man. Also, being assertive means making the first contact as well, which a more submissive man may appreciate. If you carefully examine someone's profile, you can sometimes tell if that person is going to tend to be more aggressive or passive. Good luck and I hope you find someone soon.
-- Contributed by: Rick FulksThis page has been accessed 557 times. This page was last modified 00:30, 18 January 2008.
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