Many eligible singles, tired of the bad dating merry-go-round, have secretly wondered what it’s like to work with a matchmaker. In this series, we give some fictional before and after stories, based on composites of real people and real experiences, of what some of our clients experience on their own, and with a matchmaker. Maybe you’ll see yourself or someone you know who could benefit from signing a contract with an Elite Connections matchmaker in some of these stories. While these stories are not a guarantee that past results will predict future results, we do hope they give you an idea of what’s possible and start your imagination visualizing a better love life for yourself or that eligible single in your social circle.
On His Own
Martin, 45, a private chef, always knew he wanted a big family. His marriage dissolved when he discovered that Cindy, his wife, had lied to him about using birth control behind his back. Martin was devastated by this betrayal, and it left him with deep trust issues. As he ventured into the dating world again, he found it challenging to connect with women on a deeper level. The fear of being deceived again weighed heavily on him, and he often hesitated to ask women out due to his apprehension.
Another obstacle Martin encountered was the difficulty of finding single women close to his own age who shared his values and were well-educated. He desired a partner who could engage in stimulating conversations and share his passion for intellectual pursuits. However, he struggled to meet women with similar interests through traditional dating avenues.
Despite these obstacles, Martin had his own unique hobbies and interests that made him stand out. He had a flair for cooking Italian cuisine and enjoyed hosting dinner parties for his friends. Scrabble was his favorite boardgame, and he possessed an uncanny ability to win at poker, making him an amateur card shark. Additionally, Martin had a love for adventure, indulging in activities like scuba diving and high-adrenaline sports. He also had a penchant for occasional trips to Las Vegas to try his luck at the tables.
However, Martin felt that something was missing in his life. He longed for a meaningful connection with a partner who would understand and appreciate him for who he truly was. It was during this introspective period that he decided to explore the possibility of working with a matchmaker.
What It’s Like to Work with a Matchmaker
When Martin came to see us at Elite Connections in Orange County, he was uncomfortable opening up at first, especially when it came to talking about Cindy. He admitted he was embarrassed by some of the women he’d allowed himself to get involved with after his divorce. They were not the kind of girls he’d want to introduce to his mother.
One of our prior clients, Gina, who was happily married, had a single girlfriend named Angie who worked as a manager at a high-end steakhouse. Angie had gone through several bad dates recently, men she met on an online dating website, who she would fall for and then find out they weren’t ready to commit. Angie was a single child, had always wanted children, and, at 34, was starting to get nervous about meeting a guy who wanted to be a dad.
Gina’s referral led Angie to reach out to Elite Connections, hoping to break free from the cycle of disappointing online dates and find a genuine, committed partner who shared her desire for a family. Like Martin, she had grown weary of investing her time and emotions into relationships that ultimately led to dead ends.
Upon meeting with our matchmakers, Angie immediately felt a sense of relief. Unlike the impersonal world of online dating, she found comfort in knowing that Elite Connections took the time to understand her unique needs and aspirations. The process began with an in-depth consultation, where Angie shared her past experiences, relationship goals, and non-negotiables when it came to finding a life partner.
With Angie’s preferences in mind, our matchmakers set out to find suitable candidates within our extensive network of eligible singles. The team meticulously reviewed profiles, conducted background checks, and assessed compatibility factors to ensure that each potential match aligned with Angie’s criteria.
Through ongoing communication and feedback, Angie and her matchmaker developed a trusting relationship. This personalized approach allowed Angie to feel supported and guided throughout the entire process. Gone were the days of sifting through endless online profiles and engaging in tedious small talk. Instead, Angie was presented with carefully selected individuals who shared her aspirations for a committed relationship, starting a family, and had common interests.
As Angie went on dates arranged by Elite Connections, she felt a newfound sense of excitement and hope. These were not just random encounters; they were meaningful connections with individuals who had been vetted and selected based on shared values and long-term compatibility. Angie discovered that she could enjoy the dating experience again, knowing that each introduction had the potential to lead to something substantial. “The level of courtesy and respect was so much higher,” says Angie. “Maybe that’s because the guys knew that I’d be reporting back to my matchmaker, or maybe it’s because they were just better-quality dates.” Angie pauses. “That’s what it’s like to work with a matchmaker,” she says. “Better-quality dates.”
And then it happened. Angie met Martin, the charismatic and ambitious professional chef who shared her longing for a big family and had a passion for cooking. Their first date was a memorable one, filled with laughter, stimulating conversations, and a friendly game of Scrabble. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and as they continued to spend time together, their connection deepened.
Working with Elite Connections had not only brought Angie closer to finding love but had also given her the opportunity to meet someone who truly understood her and shared her life goals. Martin’s previous betrayal and struggles with trust mirrored Angie’s own experiences, creating a strong bond of empathy and support between them.
As their relationship blossomed, Martin and Angie embarked on adventures together, exploring their shared interests in Italian cuisine and cherishing moments of joy and companionship. They both saw in each other the qualities of loyalty and decency they had longed for in a partner, and two years later, their dreams of building a loving family together became a shared reality when they welcomed their daughter, Hope. While they couldn’t have other biological children, they would go on to adopt several children out of foster care together.
Angie’s journey with Elite Connections had transformed her approach to dating, leading her to the man who not only captured her heart but also shared her vision for a future filled with love and a big family. Elite Connections had not only matched her with Martin but facilitated the connection of two souls who weren’t afraid to take a chance on love.
On Her Own
Lisa, a highly accomplished attorney, dedicated most of her waking hours to her demanding career. As a result, her social interactions revolved primarily around her clients and her younger sister, Sandy, who often found herself in challenging situations. Tragically, their mother had passed away from breast cancer during their teenage years, thrusting Lisa into the role of a surrogate mother for Sandy.
Being the responsible and high-achieving sibling, Lisa had little time for her own personal life. The constant demands of work, coupled with the complexities of her toxic relationship with Sandy, left her with little energy or opportunity to pursue romantic connections. It had been over two years since her last blind date, which had left her feeling disillusioned. The encounter had been underwhelming, with the person recommended by a client turning out to be shallow and uninspiring.
The experience left Lisa questioning her own perception. “Is this how my clients see me? Do they think I’m just as uninteresting?” she pondered. The disappointment from that date prompted her to erect emotional barriers, vowing never to let her clients see her vulnerable or aware of her longing for love. Furthermore, Lisa had neglected to foster meaningful friendships outside of her work, as she constantly prioritized her clients’ needs above her own.
The realization of her loneliness and the void in her personal life finally struck Lisa. She yearned for a connection that went beyond professional obligations and family responsibilities. She craved companionship and a deep emotional bond with someone who would appreciate her for who she truly was.
What It’s Like to Work with a Matchmaker
At this turning point in her life, Lisa sought a change. She knew she needed support and guidance in navigating the world of dating and finding someone who would value her beyond her professional achievements. That’s when Lisa decided to take a leap of faith and reached out to Elite Connections.
Little did Lisa know that this decision would be the catalyst for a transformative journey. With the assistance of Elite Connections’ experienced matchmakers, Lisa embarked on a path that would lead her to new possibilities and the fulfillment she had been seeking. Through in-depth consultations and personalized matchmaking, Elite Connections understood Lisa’s unique circumstances, aspirations, and desires.
Lisa’s matchmaker meticulously handpicked potential partners who aligned with her values, intellect, and lifestyle. These introductions were not merely blind dates but carefully curated connections, based on shared interests, compatibility, and the potential for a genuine and lasting connection.
As Lisa ventured back into the world of dating with Elite Connections by her side, she felt a renewed sense of hope and excitement. She no longer saw the process as a chore but as an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to meet someone who appreciated her multifaceted nature. With each introduction, Lisa discovered new facets of herself and experienced meaningful connections that went beyond the superficial.
Elite Connections not only provided Lisa with expert guidance in navigating the dating landscape but also offered her a support system to lean on during the ups and downs of the journey. With her matchmaker as a trusted confidant, Lisa felt empowered to be vulnerable, express her desires, and open herself up to the possibilities of love.
Despite her initial hesitation, Lisa’s matchmaker at Elite Connections saw great potential in introducing her to Paul, a charismatic, fun-loving, personal trainer who happened to be five years younger than her. At first glance, Lisa couldn’t help but feel that Paul’s striking physical attractiveness was beyond her league. However, as they spent more time together, she discovered that Paul admired strong, independent women and shared a similar drive for success.
Initially, Lisa kept Paul at arm’s length, relegating him to the confines of the “friend zone.” However, Paul recognized something extraordinary in Lisa – her inherent goodness and kindness. He admired her character and saw the genuine person beneath her professional facade. In fact, Paul couldn’t help but regard Lisa’s unwavering goodness as her only flaw. Lisa did “too much” for other people.
As their connection deepened, Lisa and Paul developed a unique bond. While they continued to date other people, they confided in each other and nurtured a friendship that gradually evolved into something more. Their shared circle of friends playfully dubbed them “Harry and Sally,” drawing parallels to the beloved movie characters who discovered love through a deep-rooted friendship.
In this dynamic relationship, Paul became a source of inspiration for Lisa, encouraging her to establish boundaries with her clients and her demanding relationship with her sister. Lisa, in turn, motivated Paul with her strong work ethic and determination. They discovered common interests, enjoying long hikes in nature, indulging in romantic comedies, engaging in profound conversations, and playing competitive racquetball games.
Their connection grew beyond superficial attraction, as they found solace and companionship in each other’s company. The friendship they had initially forged transformed into a deep emotional bond, built on mutual respect, and shared values. Lisa and Paul discovered that they complemented each other in remarkable ways, enhancing each other’s lives and aspirations.
Through our matchmaking experience, Lisa’s Elite Connections matchmaker brought together two individuals who, at first, seemed unlikely to connect. Lisa’s journey from a work-centric, lonely existence to finding genuine companionship with someone like Paul serves as a testament to the effectiveness of personalized matchmaking.