Singles in San Antonio are increasingly turning to matchmakers for personalized dating experiences, seeking authenticity and safety over unreliable dating apps.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio-based matchmakers tell KENS 5 that more singles are dropping apps for a more curated approach to dating.
As the saying goes, “money can’t buy you happiness,” but according to UTSA Assistant Professor of Psychology, Vivian Ta-Johnson, it could potentially get you closer to finding Mr. or Mrs. Right.
“They act kind of like filters for compatibility,” Ta-Johnson said. “And they also encourage follow-through.”
The concept of hiring a matchmaker is not new by any means. For centuries couples have been tying the knot for love, resources and to unite kingdoms. Now though, more and people are choosing to use a matchmaker to help them better sort through an already crowded field of options in online dating with apps line Hinge, Bumble and Tinder.
According to Modern Mingle’s Director of matchmaking, Melanie Shores, a lot of people are signing up to get away from the negative side of dating online.
“I hear all kinds of stories. Because there are so many scammers,” Shores said. “You find out the person you are talking to is married or has a family or is a criminal, got out of prison … I mean there is just – anyone can get on there, anyone can join.”
What makes the matchmaking experience unique is the personal touch added, according to Shores.
“When we meet someone, we’re doing compatibility testing. We’re looking at long-term goals. We’re looking at interests, Shores said. “So, it’s a different approach. And it’s a very detailed approach as far as what we do and how we are matching our clients.”
Another reason people are signing up, added safety. After a screening, there’s an in-person meeting and background check.
“It makes dating much more fun because the person that you’re actually going to be meeting is the actual person,” shores said.
Matchmakers we spoke to also say that a lot can be lost in between the line of a direct message or in the sea of matches in front of you.
Some singles are getting creative to meet new potential matches by joining run clubs and other social groups to meet and even pitch their friends.
Dreamers Run Club recently had an event geared with singles in mind.
Getting people out and off of their phones is the mission of another San Antonio-based matchmaking service: The dating doc. It’s run by Chris Feliciano, an Army officer who says he was inspired to create a business centered around authentic in-person connections.
“What you normally see with the events is there is no excuse. You have to be your authentic self,” Feliciano said. “So, we do things like pickleball speed dating, we’ve done scavenger hunts. Where the icebreaker is more of a distraction from how nervous you’re going to feel.”
What Feliciano and other matchmakers want you to know is that date coaching or matchmaking is not for those who have hit a “rock bottom,” it’s for people looking to level up their current experience, especially busy professionals.
“We’ve had attractive, successful, lawyer, business owners who have gone up to us for help,” Feliciano said. “And when I mean for help, they may be charismatic, they may be able to find a quality single on their own, but maybe they have trouble maintaining that connection.”
You can find out more about the services both companies offer at the following links: