How to Find a Matchmaker

Sometimes we all need a little extra help in finding that special someone. A professional matchmaker can come in very handy once we've exhausted all other methods of getting a date. Luckily, finding a matchmaker is much easier than finding the love of your life. Just take a look at these five simple steps.

Instructions

A Match Made in Heaven

1. Determine what type of matchmaker or matchmaking service you are most comfortable with allowing to become involved in your personal life. If you are uncomfortable in discussing details of your love life with another individual, you might want to try online matchmaking sites such as eharmony.com or match.com. These sites allow you to maintain a certain amount of anonymity. If you want to boldly enter the dating scene, meeting with a professional matchmaker will be best.

2. Begin your search online because most matchmakers are technologically-savvy and have their own websites. An online search will help you get an overview of what's out there and what's right for you. Some matchmakers cater strictly to financially successful or highly attractive people while others offer their services to just about anyone looking for a mate. Type in "matchmaking" or "professional matchmaker" into a comprehensive search engine like Google or Yahoo for a list of relevant results.

3. Narrow your search down to local matchmakers in your area by looking through your city's business listings in the Yellow Pages or White Pages. Local matchmakers will be easier to meet and work with, and they will introduce you to a community of local singles. Narrow your search even further by specifying exactly what type of person you're trying to find. There are specific matchmaking services designed for Christian daters, gay and lesbian daters, Jewish daters, etc.

4. Shop around. This is probably the most important step because it will ensure that you've made the right choice. Call or email matchmakers that seem appealing to you. You might even want to meet some of them face to face. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions before you settle for a particular matchmaker or agency. One of the most important questions will be about pricing. Do not deal with a matchmaker that won't discuss pricing options over the phone because they are usually the ones who use aggressive selling tactics, and might try to rip you off.

5. Be a smart consumer. Compare the prices of various matchmaking services before you settle for any one individual or agency. Test out each matchmaker by gauging their approach to the dating game. Beware of matchmakers who might attempt to con you by trying to convince you that a matchmaker is your last resort in finding a partner. Choose a matchmaker that asks questions designed to help you find your best match, not a matchmaker who asks questions designed to coerce or guilt you into joining a service.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that even though you may be paying as much as $2000 or more for matchmaking services, it's not a guarantee that you will find "the one". Approach the entire experience with realistic expectations.

Resources

• A popular online matchmaking service.
• An upscale matchmaking service for the affluent and attractive.
• Use this site to compare onling matchmaking sites.
• Matchmaking for Asian daters.