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The Agape Edit

Modern dating advice for intentional relationships

How to Rebuild Confidence After Years of First Dates

Here's the question that stops everyone in their tracks: 

"My last relationship ended in 2019. I've only been on first dates since. I've had very little luck on the apps, and I feel like my confidenc...

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The Real Reason You Chase People Who Don’t Text Back

I'm a matchmaker. I've been doing this for 20 years. 

And I see this pattern over and over again:

A client will look at someone who shares their values, lifestyle, and vision for the future, and say...

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Space Mountain vs. Small World: Why Healthy Love Feels Boring

There are two kinds of relationships.

The first kind feels like Space Mountain. You're in the dark. Your heart is racing. You don't know what's coming next. Every turn is a surprise. Every drop makes...

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Perfect Upper East Side Date Night Spots

Whether you're newly matched or celebrating years together, the Upper East Side offers some of Manhattan's most romantic, cozy, and memorable date destinations. From intimate eateries to fun cocktail ...

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How to Fix Your Hinge Profile (Stop Swiping on 10s)

You're ready for marriage and a family, but your dating app matches keep looking for something casual?

You're not alone. It's one of the most frustrating mismatches out there: you know exactly what y...

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The Female Gaze: What Shonda Rhimes Taught Us About Love & Dating

There's a moment in Grey's Anatomy that changed everything.
Cristina Yang looks at Meredith Grey and says: "He's not the sun. You are."
For an entire generation of women raised on rom-coms where the gir...

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Best Date Spots in Brooklyn

If you're single in NYC and ready to actually enjoy dating, the venue sets the tone.

The right spot can turn a mediocre first date into a story you'll tell for years. And in Brooklyn, you have option...

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What Nobody Tells You About Dating When You’re First-Gen

A conversation with Dr. Rosette Elghossian on love, loyalty, and learning to disappoint your parents.

There’s a particular kind of loneliness that comes with being first-generation. It’s not the lone...

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Teammate vs Rival in Dating: The Red Flag You're Missing

The internet is full of dating horror stories right now. From "alpine divorces" (partners abandoning each other on hikes) to viral TikToks of people crying alone in national parks, the bar for basic h...

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Best Date Spots in Tribeca & West Village

If you're single in NYC and actually excited about dating (or at least trying to be), location matters. The right venue can turn an average date into a great one, and in neighborhoods like Tribeca and...

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Matchmaker Maria's 3-2-1 Date Prep: NYC Dating Advice from a Matchmaker

Dating in New York City can feel overwhelming especially for busy, career-focused singles between 25 and 45 navigating a fast-paced scene. Whether you've just been introduced through a matchmaking ser...

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Why Friends Are Bad Matchmakers - And What Professional Matchmakers Do Instead

We've all been there.

You're single, your best friend knows someone, and before long you're sitting across from a stranger at dinner, wondering how this happened. It was well-intentioned. It should h...

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Romantic Restaurants in NYC for Every Date Stage (Matchmaker-Approved)

As a professional matchmaker, I use these dating strategies every day to help singles navigate matchmaker dating and choose the right date spots in New York City. 

Planning a date in New York City sh...

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Never Been in a Relationship at 30? How to Start Dating as a Late Bloomer

You're 32 years old. You've never been on a date. Never been kissed. Never been asked out.

And you're absolutely terrified to tell anyone.

If this resonates with you, you're not alone. Late bloomers...

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How to Fix Your Dating Profile: Dating Advice That Works

Your online profile has the hottest photos you've ever taken.

You've filled out every prompt with clever answers. You get likes. But somehow, you're not meeting the right people.

Here's what's happe...

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Gen Z Dating Struggles: Why Flirting Feels Hard (Matchmaker Advice)

You're at a bar. You see someone cute across the room. Your heart starts pounding. You look at them... and immediately look away like a scared dog who just ate chocolate.

Sound familiar?

If you're G...

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Mahjong & Backgammon Nights: NYC’s Newest Way to Meet People (and Maybe Someone Special)

If you’re searching for unique ways to meet new people in NYC, you’re not alone.

In 2026, New Yorkers are quietly shifting away from swipe culture and rediscovering something far more powerful: face-...

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What to Expect When You Meet With a Professional Matchmaker in NYC

Finding lasting love in New York City isn't a numbers game: it's a compatibility game. Here's what working with a professional matchmaker actually looks like.

If you've ever Googled "professional mat...

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Why Agape Match Is Built for Long-Term Compatibility, Not Swipe Culture

In a dating culture driven by dopamine hits, algorithms, and infinite scroll, it’s easy to mistake activity for progress. Swiping feels productive. Matching feels validating. Messaging feels like mome...

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Stop Dating Your Resume - Start Dating Your Nervous System

One of the most common things I hear from ambitious, capable people, especially women - is this:

"I just need someone who's as ambitious as I am."

I understand why that feels true. If you're a build...

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