Someone asked me an interesting question this week.

They wanted to know what I offer that is different from online dating site eHarmony. The answer I gave was simple: “I don’t think eHarmony will take you for coffee today.”

I would never sign someone up without first meeting them. During that coffee chat, I will get to know them a little bit, but more importantly, they will get to know about me and my matchmaking process.  If, after that meeting, they decide to stick with Tinder, that is totally fine.

There seems to be some misconception regarding the difference between dating and matchmaking  services. One man actually thought it was going to be similar to the TV show The Bachelor. He thought perhaps a limousine full of glamorous, available women with heels on were going to parade in front of him. He thought he would then have his choice of a date for the evening. There are plenty of dates available online. There is also a lot of time and energy wasted online with people who say what they think you want to hear. That can only last for so long.

For the most part, the people who contact me have decided they are frustrated with online dating apps. The idea of a matchmaker might seem a little old-fashioned, but if you read up on the industry, you will find it is growing rapidly as an alternative for many people who are looking for a real relationship.

There are many movies about matchmaking: Will Smith in Hitch, Janeane Garofalo in The Matchmaker, Gwyneth Paltrow in Emma, Barbra Streisand in Hello Dolly and, of course, Chaim Topol in Fiddler on the Roof. Think of me as your Yente.

I have heard from many people who say they continue to make bad decisions about who they bring into their lives. By having me intervene and help them, they find not only are there really great quality people out there, but that they also deserve to be treated properly.

It’s no different than a CEO of a company who has made some bad hires. They could have been busy, or didn’t check references, or wanted to take the leg work out of it. They may have been hoping the worker would fit in. That can be costly. There are professional recruiters who can find the right employee for them, just as I can help you find the right match.

You still have to do the work, but at least you will find someone worth the effort. There is nothing wrong with online dating and many couples have found long lasting love that way. But matchmaking may be perfect for others, including high-profile people, those who cherish their privacy, those who are widowed or those with extremely busy lives.

The Royal Wedding will take place in May.  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not meet online.  They were introduced the old-fashioned way — by someone who thought they would be a good match.

If you would like to find your perfect match, contact me via email at holmes@wheretheheartis.ca. This week, I will be drawing for a $50 gift certificate to Nandi’s Flavours of India.