ONLINE AND IN-PERSON, FINDING A MATE IN 2008 IS MORE THAN BAD BLIND DATES

BY MICHAEL ANTHONY

“MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER, make me a match! Find me a find, catch me a catch!” Whether or not we’d like to admit it, we’ve all been on both sides of this catchy Fiddler on the Roof ditty. Sometimes we’ve played the part of the BFF-knows-best fixer-upper, and other times we’ve been cast in the role of the it-could-go-either-way fixer-uppie. Either way, one thing is for certain, tried and truly proved by hell date after blindly horrible rendezvous; self-matchmaking only leads to Happily Ever After once in an indigo moon.

Usually, love’s needle remains buried in the proverbial haystack, and said fixer-uppie is left only with an expensive, table-for-two dinner bill, and the ever-awkward hug/handshake combo goodnight. But never fear; in this high-tech day and age, there are professionals, both online and in person, ready and willing to invigorate your friend’s love life with their Mr. Right (and/or Mr. Right Now). So take a cue from those Amour Experts in the know; stop setting up your single friends, and turn them on to a dot-com that knows best.

Unlike a decade ago, many mainstream dating sites now cater to the M4M and W4W demographic. Surf your single self down the Information Super Highway, and go ISO true love, techie-style.

Chemistry.com

Launched by Match.com in February of 2006, Chemistry.com was created to bring together independent-thinking, confident and diverse singles that are serious about finding a meaningful relationship. Based on the research of renowned biological anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, Chemistry uses a proprietary test to determine which two people are most likely to experience a life-changing jolt of chemistry. A progressive service, Chemistry.com believes that society is changing; the mainstream site is open to everyone seeking a relationship, gay or straight. The average Chemsitry.com user spans all ages and includes all demographics, the likes of urban, suburban, liberal, divorced, and everything in between. The company prides itself on the belief that everyone deserves “the love that makes them go weak in the knees and gives them butterflies”. Chemistry accepts anyone to “come as you are” at the price of $49.99 a month.

ExecutiveBisexualDating.com

Some men like men...and women; however, the bisexual community is often overlooked when it comes to online matchmaking. That is, until Executive Bisexual Dating came online. At EBD, the matchmaking process begins with a 30 to 90 minute discreet and in-depth telephone interview with one of the company’s trained dating counselors. Based on your needs, likes and dislikes, introductions are hand selected by your personal counselor and presented to you with an accompanying picture and profile; you make your own magic from there. A standard six-month contract goes for $997.00.

Gay.com

One of the Internet’s most popular dating sites is all gay, all the time. For less than $4 a month, Gay.com Premium Members get unlimited access to the server’s more than 3 million clients. Once a profile erects your interest, an easy-to-use chat feature allows you and your potential mate to get to know each other a bit more intimately. (Limited services and chat are also available for non-paying members.)

If online profiles aren’t music to your heart’s ear, SoCal boasts a slew of hearty healthy in-person pros. When there’s nothing to do on your Friday night, who you gonna call? These Matchmakers!

The Nuera Network (www.nueranetwork.com)

The Nuera Network is a professional matchmaking service, catering exclusively to individuals who are serious about starting a long-term relationship with a same-sex partner. A service that is exclusive to the gay demographic, Nuera provides an exciting yet confidential avenue for busy professionals to meet one another, and those whose paths may have never otherwise crossed. Membership requires an entrance interview, and those accepted are outstanding individuals who single, financially stable, emotionally available, and are ready to date, typically ranging from mid-20s to late-60s. All potential clients must first sit down with one of the company’s relationship counselors, who will go through the interview process as well as conduct a relationship development assessment. Each customer must also follow a standard screening process to ensure the safety and comfort of themselves and all other members. Fees are individually based on clients’ needs and wants.

John the Matchmaker (johnmatchmaker@aol.com)

A regular in Frontiers since the late ’90s, John the Matchmaker’s recipe for finding love is simple: “Desirable Men for Men who Desire a Relationship.” One of the most established relationship servicers for men on the West Coast, John not only offers an interviewing and matching process, but the client is also given unique advice and personalized insights on dating. When asked about guarantees, the Matchmaker is emphatically confident: “There is an immediate refund of money if I can’t offer the men you long to meet! [But] I cannot recall the last year anyone failed to find strong potential matches.” Affordable pricing is available on a sliding scale.

Gay Social Network (themixerguy@gmail.com)

The Gay Social Network is more than a one-on-one matchmaking service; it’s a monthly mixer for men to meet in person in a fun, non-“scene” environment that is conducive to socializing and having a good time. “It’s nice to know that [you’re] walking into a room full of men that are actually there to meet new friends, dates, and/or a boyfriend,” explains founder Brent Lund. “It’s a very professional group of men mostly in their 30s and 40s, but a few of the younger and older age range[s], as well. There are many regulars, but each month always gets new guys through word of mouth. Two guys that met at the very first Pasadena mixer are still together!” With an attendance pool of over 2,000 singles, a GSN evening makes for a SoCal event that is not to be missed. Each party’s $10 cover charge includes a generous amount of hors d’oueuvers and a no host bar.

Matchmaking is a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it. So, leave love to the experts; no matter “how perfect” that Crunch trainer may be for your single BFF, don’t try this at home!

BOYFRIEND MATERIAL

Name: Gary

Age: 45

Occupation: Show Biz Prof.

E-mail: garebla@yahoo.com

Ideal first date:Quiet evening at home getting to know one another, perhaps cuddling and/or sharing a jacuzzi. Second date could be dinner out and more of the same.

Little-known fact: I’m on the shy side — would rather spend a quiet evening at home than go to a crowded, noisy, congested venue.

Are you, or is anyone you know, Boyfriend Material? Fill out the abovesurvey and send a high-resolutio nimage to korina.jochim@frontierspublishing.com.