Matchmaker Karenna Alexander, who helps Hudson Valleyites navigate the single scene, shares her opinion on what people want, as well as tips for success.
What do clients say they are looking for in a partner?
“Men seem to really want two things by and large: looks and niceness. In the beginning, looks matter for men. But it won’t last if the woman is nasty and hard to get along with. They like someone who is easy to be with, although they don’t want a pushover.
Women do want to be attracted, but I find that very often they can fall for a guy even if they aren’t crazy about his looks initially. A lot goes on between the ears. Women do tend to be pickier. Men aren’t picky about much except for looks, I find. Fascinating how that works.”
What are the best places to go for a first date? The worst?
“The best is really a restaurant or coffee shop. Drink and coffee dates are actually the best for a blind-date situation, just a quick meet-and-greet almost, and then if they like one another, I think the next date should be dinner. I’m big on the old-fashioned courting process.
Bad places to go are anywhere where you can’t talk — like the movies or a concert.”
What are the biggest blunders?
“What I see a lot of is letting it all hang out on the first date. Figuratively. Although literally is not good either. But I really see too many people trying to get too close to someone too soon by sharing all sorts of personal things.”
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What’s the worst pairing you’ve matched?
“I haven’t had any major disasters yet. Sometimes, people aren’t feeling the chemistry; or one person feels it, but the other doesn’t. When both are feeling it, that’s when the magic happens, and that’s when I love my job like mad!”
