We've spent the last few weeks looking at how COVID-19 has changed dating. People spend longer talking to potential dates before meeting for a video date. They're getting to know people better before moving to the next stage of dating. It's slowing the process down. This can only be a good thing, given how 'swipe-happy' the apps encourage people to be. 

That said, dating is still difficult to do on a practical level. Meeting in person comes with a whole range of restrictions thanks to lockdown. Let's face it—going for a walk might be fine in July, but it's less appealing in the depths of February!

You can't always rely on friends to make introductions—especially when your friends only know other couples. And most meetups or social events have moved onto Zoom. They can be hilarious experiences but it's difficult to chat with new people.

Which pretty much leaves you with online dating. Or does it? We're going to pit online dating against matchmaking, which we think will be the future of dating! Let's find out why...

So. Online Dating. Yes, No?

Online dating can be fun (though perhaps not in the middle of a global pandemic). It can be a wonderful way to meet new people who may become friends rather than partners. The website eHarmony predicts over 50% of couples will meet online by 2031. Though they would say that—they're a tad biased!

The apps currently let you match with users from all over the world. This lets you form new connections with a much wider range of people than you might otherwise meet. It's like finding pen pals who live in beautiful countries and are keen to talk to new people! 

That said, the reality of online dating sometimes doesn't quite match up to the way it looks on TV. Yes, online dating is very convenient. Yet on the downside, it takes a while to find anyone decent. The profile-based websites can be better since they're based on messages. But the apps are more problematic since they reward idle swiping.

Users often jump onto online dating straight after a breakup to find a quick ego boost. Even worse, some users are already married or otherwise partnered. 42% of Tinder users are in relationships. Other users have no idea what they're looking for and aren't in a good place to start a relationship. 

You might struggle to find compatible matches within your age and distance range. All this can lead you to question whether online dating really is the answer.

What if I Told You There Was Another Way?

We've said before that online dating can feel like rummaging through the bargain rails at TK Maxx. Yes, there will be some amazing bargains in there. But it takes time and effort to go through all the clothes. We all know the disappointment of finding the ideal outfit...only to find it's three sizes too small.

So imagine going on a shopping trip to high-end luxury stores instead. No more spending hours flipping through the rails! You sit back and enjoy the experience as a personal shopper brings you a handful of perfect outfits. They're the right size, your favourite fabrics, and exactly your style. You're not sure you would have found them without the shopper's expertise and know-how! You might not even have picked some of them yourself, but when you try them on, you know they're ideal.

That's what matchmaking gives you as a dating experience.

Many types of dating have a 'push' focus, where you 'put yourself out there'. That might be going to particular locations, spending time on certain apps, or going to events. Most apps demand you spend time swiping on potential matches which gets demoralising. 

Matchmaking is different. It has a 'pull' energy, where a trained professional brings high-quality dates to you. Imagine yourself as royalty, as your matchmaker brings you the finest delicacies for your approval!

How Does Matchmaking Work?

At a basic level, matchmaking is a simple concept. Someone needs to understand your personality to introduce you to a compatible person. Your friends might even enjoy playing matchmaker! For the best results, you want to work with a third party trained to spot the very best qualities in a person.

The advantage of matchmaking is that it removes a huge chunk of 'luck' from the process. The matchmaker filters potential matches on your behalf. They only introduce you to people you'd fit well with. They remove the timewasters, disappointments, and 'already partnered' from your orbit.

Matchmaking With Intelligence layers an extra approach into the process. Yes, we still make introductions. And yes, we still filter potential matches for you. We use the same military-grade training that we use in our behavioural profiling. That's the kind of human intelligence used by agencies like the CIA! 

We profile members to understand them at the deepest level. This means we can make better matches because it's based on who the person truly is, not what they think they want. That makes a massive difference to levels of compatibility you can expect. And without being a Debbie Downer, it also means we can make sure matches are safe people to be around. Few of the dating apps screen their users and known sex offenders can use the platforms with ease.

Matchmaking vs Online Dating: Which Is Right for You?

Think of matchmaking as having a personal shopper for your love life. Instead of putting yourself out there to get matches, let your matchmakers bring the right people to you. This tips the scales back in favour of a fun, joyful dating life!

We have a strict application process for those who sign up for Matchmaking With Intelligence. We want to guarantee your safety and your satisfaction.

So if you want to date the new way, with ease and grace, why not apply today?