Reasons to Choose a Matchmaker in a World of Dating Apps

At first glance, traditional matchmakers and dating apps seem synonymous, but distinct differences mark the two. Matchmaking is a tailored service that evaluates your relationship needs before recommending a match. Some online dating services claim to "match" people based on answers to a personality quiz or a list of traits, but you're more likely to be paired by an algorithm than by a human being.

Online dating is less discriminating, with a larger pool of possible love interests, and such a lack of selectiveness can be good or bad depending on your perspective. When you sign up for an online dating site, you'll have the option to match with people from around the world, people of different ages, education levels, geographical areas and professions. Once you connect with a match, you're free to communicate with the other person or arrange to meet in any way you like.

Meanwhile, a matchmaker does the work for you and sets the terms of your initial interactions. You may be required to follow specific rules, like holding off on intimacy or meeting in a particular setting.

Benefits of contacting a matchmaker

When it comes to matchmaking services, you generally get what you pay for. The pricier the matchmaker, the more perks you get, such as personalized compatibility pairing. Most matchmakers offer guarantees, such as a certain number of dates or an expected success rate. A matchmaker's reputation relies on good customer service, so they're more likely to be invested in providing a positive experience. Dating apps take less ownership over the satisfaction (and safety) of their members.

Matchmakers are more selective about their network. Daters might have to be educated to a certain level, follow etiquette standards, keep up their appearance and undergo a background check.

Online dating is cheaper upfront but comes with additional risks. It's not uncommon for online daters to use old or altered profile photos, lie about details or date multiple people at the same time. A matchmaker can serve as an extra checkpoint to help you avoid insincere matches or scammers.

For people who don't want to broadcast their availability to the world, a matchmaker offers the kind of privacy not offered by a dating app. Instead of creating a public profile, a matchmaker privately introduces you to potential matches. Extra privacy may be appealing for newly divorced people, parents, or individuals who hold high-profile public positions. It's easier to feel comfortable sharing your information with a secure matchmaking service than with a large-scale dating site with few protections in place.

Is matchmaking right for me?

If you're tired of trying your luck with online dating or would like guidance while navigating the dating world, a matchmaker can be an appealing choice. Matchmakers are more expensive, so they're best reserved for people who are ready to settle down and commit to a serious relationship. If you want specific qualities, like a partner who shares your religious views or has the same financial success level, a matchmaker can narrow down candidates for you. A skilled matchmaker can save you the time and hassle of contacting multiple potential mates to improve your chances of finding love.

When it comes to matters of the heart, there are no surefire strategies for lifelong happiness. Exploring both modern and old-school approaches puts you in a position for the best chance of success.