Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match!

The Hamptons have always been the place where many people vacation because of the oceanfront beauty and reputation as the "place to be."

So, this summer, you rented a house share because there are lots of singles like yourself who live in the New York City and take a Jitney from Manhattan to the East End for weekend getaways and breaks from work.

You know you have everything it takes to meet a successful single partner. You dieted and exercised all spring to fit into a sexy bikini, you found a great house to rent with good roommates who like to party, you researched where the best singles bars and nightlife are and you made it a point to visit them all. But, Mr. Right hasn't shown up. How can you be single in the summer in the Hamptons?

Finding your soul mate is not an easy task, so don't feel so bad. It requires time and patience. You may have been attracted to a lot of men in the Hamptons at first, but you quickly learn they're not what you're looking for and they don't want a commitment. You become frustrated because you planted yourself in the right place, only to find that every other girl is doing the same thing and the competition is fierce.

The good news is, you are not alone in your search for love. There are people who can help you find a wonderful life partner who is worth the wait.

Instead of resorting to bars, socialization groups and online dating, the traditional art of matchmaking is making a return and is fast becoming a trend among successful professional singles across the country and the tri-state area. Matchmaking represents the traditional method used by our parents and grandparents of bringing two kindred spirits together.

Matchmaking is offline dating that utilizes the talents of a professional matchmaker who is committed to helping singles find their special someone. They do so by spending a lot of time getting to know each person who seeks their help, like a trusted a friend would.

The key to successfully matching two people together is a real understanding of their personalities, desires and passions, according to Dawn Tefel, a Long Island matchmaker.

"It's important to get to know people on a personal level because everyone is different and they all want different types of people and are expecting different things from a relationship."

Dawn hand selects all her matches and that's why she is often referred to as the "Personal Shopper for the Heart."

Matchmaking doesn't involve taking compatibility tests or creating your own version of a customized video profile. The service is confidential and discreet. Matchmakers meet with their clients privately to get to know them so they can access their personalities and learn about their interests, hobbies, values and past relationships. The goal of the matchmaker is to find suitable matches based on the characteristics each client is seeking in a partner.

All matches are hand selected once a determination is made for a match. The matchmaker will speak to both clients about the potential introduction and if they agree, the matchmaker will arrange the time and place of the date and will even make a restaurant reservation, if need be.

After the date is over, the matchmaker will follow up within 24 hours, since finding out how the date went, down to every detail, including what was discussed is very important. Matchmakers like Dawn will usually begin the follow-up by asking whether there is chemistry, since it's a major component of a successful match.

"If there is chemistry and their personalities and interests are compatible, they will most likely exchange information and see each other again."

Those who try matchmaking are often beyond dating for the sake of dating. Many are divorced and have been out of the dating scene for a while and don't know how or where to go about finding a mate. They also are unfamiliar with the ever-changing rules of dating. Generally, people who seek a matchmaker's help are serious about committing to happiness and a fulfilling life. They look upon the use of a matchmaker as an investment in their future and they're willing to take the time and effort to make it work.

Don't despair if you're still single in the Hamptons. There is someone out there for everyone and a matchmaker can help you discover them sooner than you think.

Great Date Now is the largest personalized matchmaking service for successful single professionals in the tri-state area. E-mail dawn@greatdatenow.com or visit their Web site at www.greatdatenow.com.

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