Dating Services- Are they for you?

There was a time when it was taboo to seek out a dating service or a matchmaking firm.
Times certainly have changed.
In the larger cities where connecting and meeting people is tantamount to climbing Mt. Everest, it's become a necessity more than a luxury. I will blame LA for much of this. Unlike San Francisco, New York City, Chicago and other great cities, we really don't have a sense of community in L.A. Women and men spend about 2 hours per day in the car, not to mention a minimum of 8-14 hours per day working.

Where are singles to go? To the classified section to find a dating service, of course. Nothing wrong with that. As a Matchmaker myself, I have seen major benefits from hiring someone like me.
Could you benefit from hiring someone to assist you in your dating journey?
Perhaps yes. Perhaps no.
I will tell you that it works for some people, but not for all. Remember, a Matchmaker or a dating service cannot create romance, luck or marriage for you. They can't make someone like you, fall in love with you or make the opposite sex think you are gorgeous, engaging and funny.

Think of your matchmaker as your agent or publicist. If you aren't marketable, there is nothing they can really do for you. If a job is not available, you aren't going to get the audition. If you aren't right for the role, you aren't going to get the call.

Simply signing a contract and writing a check is not enough. You must bring something worthwhile to the table.

Keep in mind that dating services are quite different than matchmaking firms. One is not such a financial investment and the other caters to a smaller, more elite crowd.

Generally, what you pay for, is what you get.

Saving money on a less expensive service will hurt you more than help you. Remember, if the fee is low, they must take on many, many clients per month in order to maintain the overhead.
If you are like most people, you aren't going to want to get lost in the shuffle.

Men generally do very well with matchmaking services, especially the ones that do not require women to join. It makes the matching more ethical this way. Far too many men, especially successful men, get "used" for dates in some of these agencies. Simply due to the fact that there are so many female clients that have paid and are in need of a date. Don't let this happen to you.

If the amount you pay a company is not going to break the bank, then go ahead and give it a try.
Do yourself a favor and do not join a company if it is a financial hardship. You will be connecting every date, whether positive or negative to the amount you paid. Not a good way to look at it and simply not productive or realistic.

If you are going to hire a service, put your best foot forward and give them something to work with! That means, take a good look at yourself- inside and out.
You should feel good, look good and radiate a positive attitude.
Above everything else, make sure you are ready.
Be careful what you wish for! You just might be introduced to someone amazing through any number of services. You have only one chance to make a first impression.
This is your life. Only you can create happiness in your life. You won't end up with a great relationship because you think you deserve one.
It's a Matchmaker's job to get you introductions. That is all. The rest is up to you!