Matchmaking is an industry worth an estimated $1.2 to $1.5 billion globally, with nearly 40% of that market located in the United States. And it’s growing, while reaching a wider audience, both in age and price range. Anna Morgenstern is a high-end matchmaker and dating coach based in New York City. She happened on this career almost by accident, while working in advertising, when she set up not one, or two, but three of her own friends with the people they would eventually marry. She made the jump to matchmaking and eventually launched her own business, gaining a following and clientele nationwide. Nowadays, she’s teaching others how to go into the matchmaking world as well.

On today’s podcast, we talk about matchmaking misconceptions, the roadblocks people create for themselves, and whether one must be healed, to find love. America is sick of swiping, according to surveys, but it might also be allergic to realistic expectations. Anna talks about the toughest clients she has had, the problem with direct feedback, and the main element she feels is missing in modern dating. She was single herself when she became a matchmaker, but she has learned a lot along the way. And she’s sharing it today, along with her advice on the one core trait she would control for, above all else, when trying to help people find their true partner. If it were only that simple…well then she and all the other matchmakers would be out of a job. And we don’t think that’s happening any time soon.