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The Agape Edit

Modern dating advice for intentional relationships

The Secret to Finding Love? Start With Finding Your People

You can't build a meaningful romantic relationship on a shaky foundation of loneliness.
Here's how connection - real, intentional connection - changes everything.

At Agape Match, we talk a lot about ...

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Can I Please Just Celebrate First? Dating When Culture Has Other Plans

You just graduated college. You landed a dream job. You signed a lease on your first apartment. And before the champagne is even open, someone in your family asks: "So… when's the wedding?" 

If you g...

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Why Gen Z Is Ditching Dating Apps - and the Dating Strategies They’re Using Instead

Everything old is new again - and when it comes to dating in 2026, that statement has never been more true.

Nearly half of Gen Z are currently single, and they are turning away from the phone and tur...

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Dating Strategies That Actually Work in 2026: A Matchmaker’s Guide to Finding Love

If you’re searching for dating strategies that actually work in 2026 - strategies grounded in real human connection, not algorithms - you’re in the right place.

Dating today is a paradox. We have mor...

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Date Ideas in New Jersey

If you live in New York City, New Jersey might not be the first place you think of for date night - but that’s exactly why it works. Just across the river (or a short drive away), the Garden State del...

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24 Best Date Ideas NYC: From Rooftop Views to Hidden Gems

Looking for unforgettable date ideas in NYC that are stylish, memorable, and far from ordinary? Whether you’re planning a first date, deepening a connection, or surprising your partner with something ...

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Date Ideas in Brooklyn – 44 Best Romantic Activities

When may you need a list of some cool date ideas in Brooklyn? In New York City, couples can celebrate their love amid the city’s iconic landmarks and lively atmosphere. In fact, it should not necessar...

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What Materialists Gets Wrong (and Right) About Matchmaking: A Real Matchmaker’s Behind-the-Scenes Take

When Hollywood puts matchmaking on screen, real matchmakers tend to brace themselves.

Eariler this summer, I was interviewed by People about the film Materialists, written and directed by Celine Song...

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