Meet Your Matchmaker: Reagan

As 8at8's new Director of Membership, I could not be more excited to join the world of matchmaking!  Having been in sales and recruiting for the last 4+ years, this is an exciting new adventure where I can still use some of my already-honed skills!  In addition, I have had my share of ups, downs, and all-arounds in the world of dating... so I may know a thing or two about this!

I was born in Atlanta, grew up in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and have been back in Atlanta for 7 years - after spending 4 wonderful years at THE University of Georgia.  I am a huge DAWGS fan, and love going back to Athens for games in the Fall!  I spend my free time at the gym, having wine with friends, eating at new, fun restaurants with my boyfriend, traveling, and going to concerts.  I have been told I can talk to a wall, and I love meeting new people and hearing their life stories!

My girlfriends and I have shared our fair share of stories regarding the dating scene in ATL.  Some have been married off, some are settling down, and some don't ever plan to!  A few things I have learned that I think are worthy of sharing are... be yourself!  Don't fake it, or you will never be able to be the REAL you with that person.  That would sure get old fast.  You are awesome as you come - embrace it.  And -- when you meet someone, don't force it!  If a person doesn't seem like a good match for you now, they may never be.  Give it a few months, then move on!  Time flies whether you are having fun or not!  And lastly -- get out of the house.  You will not meet the love of your life from your sofa!  Get out, meet new people, and maximize your odds in life and in love -- like we do at 8at8!

For more tales from this city girl, you can follow me on my lifestyle blog at: ladolcevita-reagmich.blogspot.com!

Show Our Troops Some Love

It's not too late to participate. Mail your letters today!! You can also drop off your handwritten notes and pictures at our location in Buckhead.

For more information visit: The Bert Show's BIG THANK YOU

For the Ladies... from the Millionaire Matchmaker & an Intern

I once read an Audrey Hepburn quote which really struck me. The entire thing reeked of positivity, but the part that stayed in my mind was a line which read “happy girls are the prettiest girls.”

Yeah, right you say-but hear me out on this one.

Looking back, this has been particularly true in my dating experience. It wasn’t until I cleared the emotional bagged left over from a past relationship that my dating life really started to soar.  I had to consciously abandon my need for a man. Once I did, I felt much more at ease with myself. I took the pressure off and my dates became so much more enjoyable.

Why? I had not employed any new strategies for meeting men, but I was getting more and better dates.

Patti Stanger says it best: “Men love happy women. It’s as simple as that…The truth behind the law of attraction is that like attracts like. During my matchmaking events I often see cheerful women who are not classically beautiful attracting more men than the supermodels in the room. Why? Because the supermodels are more likely to be starving and insecure, and don’t exactly exude joie de vivre.”

That’s it? So this change was merely the result of an attitude adjustment? In short, yes. I had appeared desperate. I now seemed cool and fun. Men love to date cool and fun.

Easier said than done. I was lucky because I started working for Eight at Eight shortly after my bad break-up, and the girls in the office were there to coach me through. Patti calls this transition stage “dating detox.” Whether you use your pet, girlfriends, dating coach, or therapist to get to there, one thing is certain: happiness is very attractive.

Here’s to the better dates ahead!

Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Dating

See our recent interview with up & coming website Best Daily Dates.  We love that BDD focuses on getting singles face-to-face and out on dates.

http://bestdailydates.com/blog/eight-at-eight-dinner-parties-for-singles/

October is a great month for dating. Nights are getting colder, darker, longer-but the dating scene is RED HOT.  Many daters start thinking about who they'll be snuggling up with this winter.  If you're single and ready for a relationship, then now's the time to put yourself out there. By the time December rolls around your schedule will be filled with parties, family obligations, and travel. Dating someone new will be last thing on your holiday to-do list. Make the extra effort to date this month. When the winter winds blow and you're tucked inside with your new flame, you'll be happy you did.

A.S.K. (Ask Sarah Kathryn)

Q: "I really don't have a problem attracting dates, how is using a matchmaker better than old-fashioned playing the field?"

A: Playing the field is perfectly fine, and can be a lot of fun. But, it can also be tedious and time-consuming with minimal return on your time investment. Executive matchmaking services are great for individuals who don't have time to play the field or who have found that the field is full of weeds. In fact, matchmaking services can be even more beneficial for someone who attracts a large number of potential dates because professional matchmakers can act as a personal consultant to help you focus on premium matches. The bottom line is that quantity does not mean quality. Chances are you haven't mastered the art of truly finding the diamonds in the rough-the matches with whom you'll have the most common interests, goals, lifestyle, and the ones who are 9s and 10s. Matchmaking services emphasize quality over quantity and help you ensure that time spent getting to know someone is not time wasted.

Which First Date Would You Prefer?

We asked several clients from Eight at Eight Dinner Club for ideas about how to spend a first date. Here are some of their creative responses. Which first date would you prefer? We want to know! Fill out the poll below and help us determine the perfect first date!!

[polldaddy poll=5598039]

Happy Anniversary Laura and Brian

Our favorite matchmaker, Laura, will be celebrating her 10th anniversary tomorrow with her husband Brian. Congrats you two love-birds!



What's the secret to a long, happy marriage? "Communication," Laura smirks. "And letting things go."

Laura and Brian are clearly a perfect match. Anyone who's seen them together knows that their relationship is strong. They have three beautiful daughters together-all blessed with Laura's golden locks. On top of working at One on One Matchmaking and taking care of her girls,  Laura has been hard at work planning the couple's celebration. We can't wait to hear all the details.

Finding Someone Perfect for You

One of our new clients brought in this quote.  I think its a good reminder to stop looking for a partner who fits your checklist and instead focusing on finding someone who compliments your emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.



"He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.” - Bob Marley

Learn the Science of Attraction

“Let him chase you.” For any woman who has received this advice and brushed it off-you might want to think again. Whether it was from your mother, grandmother, girlfriend, or Cosmo-we’ve all heard the saying: men enjoy the thrill of the hunt. True, this mentalitiy is old-fashion. As smart, sucessful women of the 21^st century we know to go after what we want. But the key here is being aware and approaching the dating scene with a strategy-and based on the findings of these two Northwestern scientists, it’s a strategy backed by pychological reasearch. It’s not that we’re timid and meek; we’re just playing the game to our advantage.

Check out this abstract published in Psychological Science. The experiment employed speed dating as the means for evaluating attraction and the gendered behavior associated with pursuing romantic partners. In otherwords, this trial looked at why men tend to be less selective than women. The study found that the mere act of approaching a potential partner increased one’s attraction to that partner-reguardless of gender.

Alright, but why should the act of approaching a potential partner be a masculine characteristic?  I think this has to do with the fact that the heterosexual dating scene is structured by sexual economics (i.e. women are the sellers/men are the buyers). For now, just know that your mother may have been onto something…if you let him chase you, then he’ll find you more attractive.

Reasons to Give Group Dating a Try

We know the benefits of dating multiple people. Eight at Eight Dinner Club has been in business for over 13 years and was created by the idea that group dating is just more fun! In fact, we encourage our clients to share contact information with any and all members who catch their eye at dinner. When you’re causally dating, there is no reason to limit yourself in getting to know just one person at a time. Dating multiple people can actually be beneficial, and here are six reasons why: 6 Perfectly Good Reason to Date Multiple People.

Sex, Drugs, and Politics: Taboo Dating Topics

When “What’s Your Number?” came out in theaters last Friday, it had us thinking about dating taboos.  Good Idea: Taking your date to this movie. Bad Idea: Using this opportunity to ask him/her “So, what’s your number?” No matter how comfortable you feel on a date, there are some topics you should probably avoid.

Don’t let curiosity kill your chance for a potentially great relationship:

When dating someone new, it is best to keep the conversation light and upbeat. We recommend that you stay away from conversations about past relationships-this includes discussing relationship expectations, like your constant need for public displays of affection. (i.e. “I need some who…”) It’s important to keep the past in the past, especially when it does not pertain to the current situation. Avoid these topics, and you’ll avoid comparisons and insecurities about measuring up to past partners.

The same goes for dating horror stories. Dating can be hilarious, but when you focus on past dates you’re taking time and attention away from what is happening between the two of you.  You never know what could make your new partner jealous or insecure.

Please, do yourself a favor: don’t question the state of the relationship too early on. Ladies-men would rather have relationships than talk about them. Asking where the relationship is headed can make you appear desperate. If often ruins the hunt of the chase.

Do we even have to mention religion and politics? Didn’t think so. These conversations can be provoking but run the risk of offending your date.

Here’s a tip from the experts: There’s nothing wrong with planning out your conversations-as long as they are genuine. Think of questions you might ask your date or short, humorous stories you could share. A list of safe topics you might consider: travel, food/drink, friends, weekend plans, career goals, and hobbies.