On the popular television show, Millionaire Matchmaker, “Contestants,” probably the appropriate word, reduce themselves to the ruthless scrutiny of their looks and sexuality. Of course participating in a TV show draws its own unique cast of characters that become the source of mailroom gossip the next day. But the Millionaire Matchmaker concept and related shows and services, do a tremendous disservice to single people and real Matchmakers.
The humiliation should be evident, and perhaps it’s this personal degradation that makes the audience so curious.
Singles already face a myriad of insurmountable obstacles. The competition is fierce in public settings. Bars and social gatherings demand that singles put their best foot forward, or in many cases the forward foot is a performance to attract a fling. Causal dating, fun, and mingling are the goal of the not-so-serious.
For real people looking for more, especially those with a lot to offer, the “dating scene” is a dangerous bet and risky gamble. However, Millionaire Matchmaker is really an extension of a dating-like agency. The difference is that a real matchmaker is not only taking the time to know a client well, but a real matchmaker also takes the responsibility for choosing the match. In short, a dating service or agency provides a pool of people (commonly seducing future clients with attractive photos) and clients choose whom they will meet. A real matchmaker does the homework for the client, and introduces two people for the purposes of a real emotional attachment.
Known as the originator of the matchmaking industry, Valenti International is somewhat remised to take credit as the founders. Foremost, Valenti is distinguished in a class by itself, continuing to provide a formal and respectful service that uses clinical psychologist to screen and introduce people. This distinguishing feature is a must says company management: “we are already dealing with the complexity of very impressive people and the details of their entire life, understanding who they are as people requires an expert. Both ladies and gentlemen pay a fee to work with our service. It is unbelievable to me that people will trust just another pretty face to choose a potential spouse or life partner. To my knowledge we are still the only company that absorbs this tremendous cost [psychologists] to allow clients the dignity they deserve,” notes Steve Valenti. Many people benefit from dating, meeting other singles for fun or activities, and participating in dating type services like Millionaire Matchmaker. But when a person is really ready to meet the right person, it is no longer casual. Finding the right life partner is one of the most important decisions a person can ever make.
