Lessons Learned from the Royal Wedding

Lesson 3: Realize that love takes time!

Kate and William dated for eight years, and not without a few rough patches along the way.  They broke up a couple years ago and reconciled to be where they are today.  Love and compatibility are not things that can be hurried.  One of the hardest things about dating someone is how difficult it is to give into the thrill of pursuing "the One" (see lesson 2), while accepting the reality that good matches and developing relationships come slowly but steadily.  Don't lose faith or be discouraged, just keep up the energy and success will surely come!

As busy, single professionals, we can mentally be our worst enemy.  Believe in yourself and know that you are someone's Prince or Princess....you just haven't met them yet.  A winning attitude about the adventure of dating will make you more desirable!

 Best Regards,

Sarah Kathryn Smith

Lessons Learned from the Royal Wedding

Lesson 2:  Give into the thrill!

Let the excitement of the royal wedding inspire to you to take romantic action. It's not corny - it's positively intoxicating.  An optimistic outlook on dating will radiate from you and orient you toward an opportunity to meet a great match. Why not allow yourself to be happy for two college sweethearts who take adorable photos like this one?

Lessons Learned from the Royal Wedding

Dear Friends,

It was my absolute pleasure to enjoy the excitement of the Royal Wedding. Their romantic fairy tale extravaganza excited hopeless romantics worldwide, and got me to work right after I saw that balcony kiss. As I've said before, there is no "off switch" for a matchmaker. Here are three lessons about courtship, courtesy of the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge:

Lesson 1: Being "elite" is not about birthright!

Kate's family owns a small business and is generally considered upper middle class. In past centuries, Royals only married other Royals. Kate is intelligent, articulate, and accomplished - it is these latter qualities that make her a match for the Prince...and boy, do they look beautiful together. But, it's most important to acknowledge that a solid woman like Kate wouldn't cave to the pressures of media exposure, or to the dark temptations of luxurious living. True love is not preset by where you were born or where you live, but rather by who you are and who you have become.

A word on online dating

"Discount Dating"

In a recent New York Post article, Carrie Siem cites a group of successful  female friends who, surprisingly, won't turn their nose up at a guy just because he uses a coupon on the first date. Read the full article. The women say it's "recession chic". The men say it shows fiscal responsibility in the long run. Bargain sites are also meccas for adrenaline junkies looking for inspiration on activities that wouldn't otherwise come to mind. This article does have a point - who doesn't love a little more bang for their buck  in their love life? (Get your mind out of the gutter girls and boys!)

However, it's still the general consensus in most cities (and among most women) that coupons  kill the mood! We have a point too - who doesn't like to be wined and dined like they're worth every penny of it?

You shouldn't have to tap into your life savings for a first date, but you don't want to make your date feel, well,  cheap. Where do you stand?

A.S.K. (Ask Sarah Kathryn)

"Photo-phobia"

Q: Sarah Kathryn, Why do I need to upload a photo when I fill out the profile? I don't want other people to see it! --Jodie

A: I totally understand your concerns Jodie! Eight at Eight Dinner Club provides a hostess who introduces you to all your dinner companions at each event. The hostess studies the dinner parties before meeting you at the restaurant so she can spot you as you walk through the door. Wouldn't you hate to be walking in circles at the bar before realizing people have already been seated? Here's another thing: A photo also helps my matchmakers remember each profile better, and paves the way for better and more matches! Just make sure that it shows your face clearly, and don't worry - profile photos are never shown to other members and are for in-house use only. Jodie, I absolutely recommend sending in a photo, because it helps us help you!

Taking your love life from in demand to on demand - Part 3

Schedule a personal life. In today’s cramped cycle of work and life, all successful leaders work on a schedule. I always counsel my One on One Matchmaking members to get into the habit of scheduling at least two or three times a week for a personal life – for social time with family, friends, and peers. Get into the habit now. If you wait until you’ve met that special someone, it could already be too late and you risk foiling your chances at a major deal.

The bottom line, as my dad always says, is that life is a contact sport and it’s the contacts and the meaningful relationships that make life worth living. In today’s ultra-connected society, there really is no excuse for busy executives to not make their love life a priority. Hire professionals, like those of us at One on One Matchmaking, who can help you make time for a fulfilling love life.

Taking your love life from in demand to on demand - Part 2

Ambition pays … even outside of the 9 to 5. This is a concept that executives apply to just about every facet of their lives, with the exception of anything pertaining to relationships. They work hard to receive the best credentials or accounts, manage their financial portfolio with intention, and compete hard in extracurricular activities. However, many don’t apply that same level of ambition and intention to love. Ambition doesn’t have to mean investing a lot of time, it only means setting a plan. It also means getting help if you need it, including, perhaps, a professional matchmaking service (shameless plug).

Taking your love life from in demand to on demand - Part 1

In both good and bad economies, leaders and executives want it all. They want to remain at the top of their professional game, gain the respect of their colleagues and peers, live a premium lifestyle that reflects their premium taste, and even though many won’t admit it, they want a successful love life.

Whether the end goal is marriage or a significant relationship partner, love and romance rank high on the executive’s list of must-haves – rivaled only by money and success. I know this firsthand. After 11 years of professional matchmaking and consulting for some of metro Atlanta’s top leaders, I’ve developed a firm grasp on how to achieve successful “work, life, love” balance. I often revisit the following keys with busy executives.

Looks do matter … and not just to you. For busy executives, the greatest fear is rejection and the greatest appeal is physical chemistry. Executives want to start with physical attraction and then progress to social and intellectual compatibility. And that’s not only limited to men. Women also care about physical chemistry. This is why I tell my One on One Matchmaking clients to not let their bank accounts do all of the heavy lifting. Our approach is very consultative; we serve as a personal advisor to our members on both the external and internal attributes that influence their love lives. Success is attractive, but it’s important that you also invest in your own physical appearance. A healthy lifestyle in general will allow you to enjoy your successful love life longer.

Want Men and Women Want - in color

R. Luke Dubois has compiled one of the most interesting breakdowns of what men and women want in America, as gathered from online dating profiles. View city and nation-wide representations of the words that women (red) and men (blue) use most in their profiles: http://perfect.lukedubois.com/ Some results may surprise you! What are the most used words in your town?

Meet the Eight at Eight hostess: Kait in Chicago

Ever wondered what our hostesses do during the day? You might be pleasantly surprised to hear that they’re very much like you! The Singles Scoreboard sat down with Kait, our lovely hostess in Chicago, to hear what she has to say:

The Singles Scoreboard: What do you when you’re not being a fabulous hostess at an Eight at Eight event?

Kait: I practice real estate law, teach LSAT classes, adore hostessing for Eight at Eight and follow Notre Dame football like it’s a job.

TSS: So you’re a full-time renaissance woman?

K: I suppose? (giggling)

TSS: We have many self-proclaimed foodies and food enthusiasts who enjoy the “dinner” aspect of the dinner party concept as much as they enjoy meeting 4 new potential dates. What cuisine/food would rival a good date for you?

K: I’m from Chicago, so pizza, of course. Art of Pizza is my personal favorite. Indian food is not far behind.

TSS: I’m sure you’ve seen it all by now having been a hostess for quite some time. Drawing from your personal and professional experiences, what kind of dating tips do you have to offer?

K: I'm not sure I can come up with anything more brilliant than what the Eight at Eight ladies already put out there, but I'll reiterate the importance of keeping an open mind. I think a lot of people come into the dinners with an idea of their ideal mate and want everyone there to match the picture in their head or possess a laundry list of qualities. I have yet to meet a member I think is perfect, but I know tons that are fabulous – I try to make it part of my job to learn at least one thing about every member that they are passionate about. Sometimes finding a great conversation topic will totally make someone sparkle in a way you didn't initially notice. Also, I adore manners! People who say "please" and "thank you" win me over almost instantly.

TSS: Words of wisdom from our very own hostess, Kait, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for your time! Please continue your fantastic work with Eight at Eight Dinner Club…Did we just win you over with our mad manners, or what?

K: Absolutely! (laughing) Thank you for having me on!