You're not alone. Many singles may still be using dating apps, but some looking for a deeper connection are turning to professional matchmakers. Matchmakers have been around for decades, but the industry is reporting an uptick in clients. Relationship experts say more matchmaking services are hitting the market as more people desire in-person connections.
Some may also be suffering from app fatigue. But how does matchmaking work, and is the price tag worth it? Natalia La Cava of Batavia hired a matchmaker after experiencing heartbreak in her previous relationship.
La Cava said at that moment she knew she had to try something different in her dating life. She hired Matchmake Chicago to try an old school approach that seems to be getting new life among singles. Dana Davenport of Naperville also turned to matchmaking after she grew tired of dating apps.
That gets old after a while," she said. Davenport worked with matchmaker Trenia Norford at Connectricity. Both La Cava and Davenport have found love. Schmidt had been married for 29 years but lost his wife to breast cancer. After taking time heal he was ready to find love again, and also turned to Matchmake Chicago. Why not try it," he said. Matchmake Chicago is owned by Annie Antonsen and her mother Lisa. They said their company does one-on-one coach and vets each client through background checks.
Everyone's current. They look exactly what they look like, so there's none of that catfishing," Antonsen said. But matchmaking isn't cheap. Schmidt declined to say exactly how much he paid, but said he felt the number was "fair. If you're looking for an affordable option, dating apps are still extremely popular. According to Pew Research Center , nearly 3 in 10 U. Rachael Miller, a therapist and relationship expert, met her husband of 16 years online.
