Matchmaker, make me a match

I never would have thought to hire a matchmaker, ever. Now that I'm with Derek though, I'm really thankful that I did. 😄

I did it mostly because I felt so curious. What's it like to have someone in your corner doing the hard work of getting to know someone for you? If dating could be easier, then yes please!

What I didn't expect is that I was starting on a journey because from my official start day with my matchmaker to being matched with Derek was a ten month window.

The opportunity actually presented itself because my friend signed up himself and told me about it.

So I started with the matchmaking service in the summer of 2021. I was 35 years old at the time and wanting to be with my partner already.

Before anything happened with the matchmaker though, I got to do a couple of fun things as part of the matchmaking service package.

Namely, I did a photoshoot with a stylist consult. In speaking with the stylist, I recognized the chance to update my wardrobe to match who I felt I was at that time. Just four months before I had ended a relationship with someone who I thought I'd marry.

Ending that relationship catalyzed the unraveling of a pattern I kept repeating in relationships – the pattern where I blended into the guy's life and sacrificed what I wanted.

I didn't realize it at the time, but the photoshoot captured my new sense of self. Having these shots to look at from time to time make them a time capsule.

I encourage everyone to be open to unexpected ways of being led to what you want. As you can see, because I was open to working with a matchmaker, I benefited and am with a really wonderful man! 🥰