DATING FACTS
5 Facts About the Matchmaking You Didn’t Know About
Before the internet came along, people had different ways of finding a potential partner. Mail-order brides, speed dating, and matchmaking were done differently back then. Now, people can sign up for an online dating platform and find a quick match with just a swipe on their phones.
If you were to compare it to matchmaking, dating apps are much more convenient and practical. But you’re less likely to find genuine people in them.
On dating apps, there is an unspoken competition of looks. The more swipes you get, the more likely you’ll end up on someone else’s feed. In other words, the algorithm favors the good-looking — the more attractive you are, the higher number of matches you get.
Unfortunately, most online dating site users decide their matches mainly by their level of physical attractiveness. Because of this, you are not guaranteed quality matches.
Matchmaking, on the other hand, is much more personalized and well-planned. Today’s people would probably call matchmaking out-of-date and old-fashioned. But just because it’s an “outdated” concept doesn’t mean it’s any less effective.
There are tons of misconceptions around matchmaking that have deterred people from signing up for the service. To shed some light on this matter, here are a few fast facts about matchmaking:
#1 Traditional matchmaking was based on social classes.
If you know anyone who was born and raised in South or East Asia, you’ve probably heard a few tales about traditional matchmaking.
In Ancient China, matchmakers were often hired for arranging marriages. They would carefully assess each potential candidate and were quite particular with social standings.
For India, social standing isn’t the only basis for generating matches. They also have to take into account age, physical appearance, and horoscope matching.
Nowadays, people are much freer to choose who they end up with. Modern matchmaking has also adapted to the current needs of the people.
The words of the matchmaker back then were more akin to a final ultimatum. Their word was law.
Fortunately, modern matchmaking has evolved and is now more accommodating to their clients. Their words of wisdom serve more as a guide rather than an order.
#2 People used to watch matchmaking shows as a pastime.
Every Saturday night, people would stay tuned to the show Blind Date. There were about 3 contestants and a beautiful lady had to choose between them according to their personality.
There was also a Q&A section, where the participants had equal time to get to know each candidate. This form of matchmaking is often short-lived, mostly because of the pressure from the audience to end up together.
But, it was an enjoyable experience nonetheless. In fact, married women often ended up serving as matchmakers for the singles back then. They urged men and women alike to go out with someone they knew.
Whether they end up or not, no one ever knows.
#3 Not anyone can be a matchmaker.
While there is no degree required to be a matchmaker, they do have strict qualifications.
Firstly, you have to be outgoing and a team player. There’s no such thing as a matchmaker that doesn’t understand people. You have to be able to empathize well to determine whether you are a perfect fit.
If I were in Person A’s place, would I like Person B? Will person A’s personality fit well with Person C?
Putting yourself in the shoes of a client is an essential task for a matchmaker. Otherwise, you’ll have a more difficult time finding compatible matches.
Another thing you have to be good at is socializing. It would be no good if a homebody were to work as a matchmaker. It would be tiring for them, and being tired is least likely to deliver good results.
As a matchmaker, you have to meet clients, give them advice, and exude confidence when convincing them to give your suggested matches a chance. You have to develop a network of people as well. This will make you seem much more credible and established.
Being a matchmaker bears a lot more weight than people think. People are leaving the fates of their romantic future in your hands. Putting half your heart into this job not only jeopardizes your career but can ruin the lives of other people.
So no, not anyone can be a matchmaker.
#4 Matchmaking sites are more likely to attract marriage-minded singles.
As you get older, the need to be loved grows stronger and stronger. Dating apps are a no-go, as they are often used for flings. Dating sites are not as bad, but they don’t deliver the best results either.
Matchmaking services are tailored according to a single person’s needs. You are personally attended to, and the people working behind the scenes do genuinely care for you.
You don’t have to rely on a sleazy algorithm that generates matches based on looks. You’re more likely to find quality matches through a matchmaking service.
#5 The introduction of the internet has immensely helped in giving matchmaking the exposure it needs.
It might sound odd, but the popularity of dating sites and apps has immensely helped in getting people into matchmaking sites.
It’s possible to get burnt out from dating sites and apps. After going through multiple failed matches, it wouldn’t be weird for someone to ditch dating platforms altogether.
There are tons of matchmaking services that have migrated online. Putting them side by side with popular dating platforms only helps them look like the better option.
Let’s say you’re at the mall and you decided to grab a bite to eat. A fast-food chain and an authentic Japanese restaurant stand side by side in front of you. Where would you walk into?
Given the chance, you would obviously go for Japanese food. You wouldn’t like to eat mass-processed greasy food for dinner.
This is the same logic that goes for dating apps and matchmaking services.
The stark difference between the two is more than enough to tell you which one has better quality. Why go for instant gratification when you can find yourself a lifetime’s worth of sure and steady love? Surely, you’ll be better off going for the best long-term solution.
So if you’re feeling lonely and looking for somebody to love, how about giving matchmaking a try? Give it a shot, you might be able to find someone to call your life partner.
