He says he offers a different perspective on the
THE art cum science. "Men feel more comfortable
with me, they will say things to me that they
HUFFINGTON won't say to a woman (matchmaker), about what
they're looking for, what works and doesn't."
POST Putting on my marketing hat, it does make sense
that his branding appeals to masculine sensibili-
ties, with nary a heart or pink flower in sight…
High-End Matchmakers Dish on Dating In order to get on the "roster," women must be
very attractive, fit, be either book smart or street
By Val Brown smart, and have a successful career of some sort.
"Ivy league educated" gets thrown around a lot
Posted: June 4, 2010 12:04 PM in describing both the men and women on the
matchmakers' books. Most women are (20s and
30s but) under 40, with some exceptions. (How
old are the men? 27 to 78.) They ask for "natural
O nline dating has become increasingly de- beauty" so presumably those botoxed into a state
stigmatized, but there are many who still aren't of forehead catatonia or sporting impossibly
comfortable having their photo online and pub- perky triple D's are less desirable.
licly admitting they need help finding a mate:
the powerful, the wealthy, and the well-known
to name a few. And though you'd think they
would have fewer problems than us mere mor-
tals in finding a significant other, apparently
they suffer the same slings, arrows and bad dates
as the rest of us. Their solution: professional,
pricey, discreet matchmakers. They are not the
kind of guys on "Millionaire Matchmaker."
By "they," I mean men. Men make up the major-
ity of a high end matchmaker's clients. Women
are generally not the clients but potential
matches for the men; and in most cases, they
simply pay an application or interview fee. I I am curious about how they weed out the gold
don't think this is any sexist plot by the modern diggers—why would a beautiful, Ivy League
day Dolly Levi's, only a reflection of a dating educated, 25 year old woman need a dating ser-
dynamic that is still alive and well—at least vice to find a man? Spindel assures me she can
where well-to-do men are concerned. spot them a mile away, and they won't get on her
roster. Perhaps it's just time management for
How much will this set a guy back? — from these 25 year olds -- better to shoot gilded fish in
$25,000 to $100,000, depending on the mat- a barrel than trawl through the charity, club or
chmaker. This will give you a year to 18 months Hamptons circuit for five years.
of matches. Matchmaker Richard Easton, new to
the New York market and an anomaly among Whether it was to butter me up to write a posi-
matchmakers—most are women—offers a tive article, or there was some genuine interest,
$10,000 starter rate for young Wall Street and they all said they may have some guys for me.
Silicon Alley/Valley types. "How old will you go?" Janis inquired.
"Well, if they're youthful and in shape, 60, 65 in
a pinch." She seemed surprised. I am way over
40, but I know from internet dating that 45 or 50
year old guys are generally not looking for
women their age. You have to go older. And
anyway, I've always liked older men. And
younger, come to think of it.
Daniels asks if I would be willing to relocate?
Hmm. L.A., London, Paris...? Sure. A zillion
acre ranch in Montana? No.
A personable former head of his own boutique So we'll see if these matchmakers come up with
M&A firm, Easton has parlayed his expertise in the goods. I'll keep you posted. If you see me in
marrying companies into the more rewarding a restaurant with a 78-year-old, you'll know it
realm of marrying hearts and minds. was a set-up.