35yoSeeking... a match(maker)
Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Make me a match,
Find me a find,
Catch me a catch.
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Look through your book,
And make me a perfect match.
Fiddler on the Roof; Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Word Count: 498
Valentine’s Day seems like the perfect opportunity to finally share my “matchmaker” experience from last fall. It all started with the show Indian Matchmaking on Netflix—its popularity was short-lived, but it was all the rage for about two weeks last summer. I quickly became obsessed with everyone looking for love and how their stories would end. (Spoiler alert: None of them ended particularly well, or at least, not as hoped as a result of the show. Hot tip: Google where they all are now!) I shared my new show recommendation with lots of friends and secretly lamented that there wasn’t a local matchmaking service for me. After I got my sister-in-law hooked, who got my brother hooked(!), she texted me that she had found a local matchmaking service! I was honestly shocked that this was even a thing that existed in St. Louis, Missouri, but decided it couldn’t hurt to check it out. If nothing else, it would be great content for the blog! :)
The appointment ended up being a lot to unpack (mentally). I was pleasantly surprised by the rather legit office space and not at all surprised by the obnoxious sales pitch. I honestly had NO IDEA what to expect in terms of pricing. Even so, I nearly fell out of my chair when I learned the cost of an eight-match package. Any guesses?! $7,000. Um...what?! Who do they think they are?! We’re in St. Louis, Missouri, for Chrissake! We have the fifth LOWEST cost of living out of all 50 states! I’m honestly not sure if I would pay $7,000 for a dedicated matchmaker to see me all the way down the aisle at my wedding, guaranteed!
Because I wear my reactions ALL over my face, they quickly tried to engage in some super awkward wheeling and dealing. Like, I could get four matches for $3,500, or even one for $1,000! But I was even more turned off by the combination of me putting all my eggs in one ($1,000) basket and them suddenly seeming desperate to get any amount of money out of me as quickly as possible. I knew it was over (for them) when I said there was no way I could agree to anything on the spot. When I requested an informational packet to review at home and a business card to follow up with them, I was refused. They even handed me back my application/intake paperwork! (In retrospect, I’m glad they don’t have me “on file” anywhere.)
Alas, my matchmaking journey ended as quickly as it began. And I think that’s probably just fine? The (free!) dating apps are plenty sufficient until the pandemic is under control and it’s safe it be social again. And then I’m crossing my fingers for another Roaring Twenties! In the meantime, I’m seriously considering the sage advice of one of my oldest and best friends: “You’re much better off putting $7,000 into a Roth IRA.” #truth
