Ask a Matchmaker

What if friendship is the real key to finding love? This week, Maria sits down with author and connection coach Shari Leid, who shares the unbelievable story of being found as a baby in a cardboard box and how that shaped her mission to fight loneliness and seek connection. After a recent divorce and cross-country move, Shari reveals how traveling to all 50 states to share meals with strangers led to her "Flip the Box" philosophy: turning isolation into connection. They break down her 3 connection power tools , plus real-life icebreakers that actually work at events! Then, they tackle a listener question from a 33-year-old in Chicago feeling left behind by married friends and give practical advice on building a new social circle from scratch! Check out her book Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America by Shari Leid today!

support the show, support the sponsors! 👉 Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code MATCHMAKER at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply.

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

It's a Hotline episode 👏 This week, Matchmaker Maria is joined by CEO of Agape Escapes, Amalia Kalogridakis, for a rapid-fire dating advice episode! They cover: money, friendship, and age gap relationships! They discuss whether $100,000 in credit card debt is a dating dealbreaker, how to rebuild your social life when your boyfriend is your only friend, and if a 39-year-old woman dating a 24-year-old man is headed for heartbreak or just harmless fun. Plus, they also invite listeners to their Greece retreat and cruise this August, make some new friends with Amalia, Maria, and Chrisoula!

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Matchmaker Maria is joined by TODAY.com senior editor Elena Nicolaou for a powerful conversation on miscarriage, partner support, and the reality of navigating women's healthcare. Elena shares the emotional story of finding out she was pregnant with quadruplets, miscarring, and then having to face a $41,000 medical bill after surgery! They also get into what grief looks like inside a marriage, how to know if your partner can handle real life stress, and why dating should be about more than just chemistry. Plus, they respond to a listener struggling after miscarriage when her husband seems ready to move on too fast.

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Limerence, obsessive dating thoughts, and why you can't stop checking your phone? Matchmaker Maria sits down with journalist and author Amanda McCracken, whose writing on relationships has been published in the New York Times, Guardian, and Vogue, to break down the psychology of intense romantic infatuation. Amanda shares how she dated over 100 men, struggled with "anchormen" from her past, and realized she was addicted to longing, not love. They unpack dopamine hits from texting, why intermittent responses keep you hooked, and how purity culture and hookup culture can wire you for obsession. Plus, what to do when your mood depends on a text back, why "butterflies" can be anxiety, and the exact mindset shift that helps you stop chasing unavailable people. If you've ever reread texts, stalked Instagram, or felt addicted to someone after 4 dates, this episode is your wake-up call.

Be sure to pick up a copy of When Longing Becomes Your Lover today!

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Comedian Chloe Radcliffe joins Matchmaker Maria for a dating advice hotline episode about modern dating, relationships, dating apps, and finding a serious partner. They help a listener figure out how to work with an ex-boyfriend who betrayed her but still wants the breakup kept secret at their workplace. Another caller asks how to balance casual dating and having fun at 29 while still wanting to find a husband before her aging parents pass away. Maria and Chloe also talk about how to improve a Hinge profile to attract men who want marriage and family, and why you may need to swipe on the "6s and 7s" instead of only the "10s." Chloe also shares the unique "processing time" parenting method her mom used growing up to help her face emotions directly, and how having a visible birthmark shaped her experience with confidence and dating!

Check out Chloe on the road 👉https://www.chloeradcliffe.com/

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's relationship, the viral "Alpine Divorce" dating trend, religious values in modern matchmaking, and the viral Hinge baker experiment are all part of today's dating conversation. In this solo episode, Matchmaker Maria reacts to the TikTok trend where partners abandon each other on hikes and explains why selfish behavior in relationships is often a pattern. She also breaks down American Love Story and the relationship lesson behind Carolyn Bessette not immediately saying yes to John F. Kennedy Jr.'s proposal. Plus, Maria shares surprising trends she's seeing in her matchmaking office, including singles converting to Roman Catholicism and the rise of AI matchmaking. And finally, she weighs in on the viral woman giving men sourdough bread from Hinge as a low-pressure way to meet and vibe check potential dates!

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Did millennial women grow up inside a system designed by powerful men? In this episode, Maria is joined by journalist Ileana Justine to unpack how mall culture, Victoria's Secret, JUICY sweatpants, low-rise jeans, and dress code "fingertip rules" shaped millennial body image, and how the Jeffrey Epstein era exposed who held the power behind those brands. They break down the male gaze vs. the female gaze, trad wife influencers, the "provider" debate in modern dating, GLP-1 skinny culture, and how shows like Grey's Anatomy changed women's dating standards. Plus, a listener asks how to date confidently after major surgery, weight changes, and visible scars. This is a deep dive into cultural conditioning, patriarchy, body image, and how it all affects who we choose to love.

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off.

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Hard conversations in relationships, attachment styles, anxious vs avoidant dynamics, and emotional disconnection are at the center of this week's Ask A Matchmaker. Matchmaker Maria sits down with therapist and author Colette Fehr to explain why couples fight about small things like Duolingo, texting back, or Valentine's Day flowers when the real issue is feeling unheard or unimportant. They break down how to stop people pleasing, how to say "that hurt me" clearly, and why serious conversations should never happen over text. Colette shares tools from her book The Cost of Quiet, including her emotional Mad Libs method for speaking up without pushing your partner away. They also tackle anxious and avoidant attachment patterns and whether separate bedrooms, like Keke Palmer suggested, can actually work in a healthy relationship.

Ready to date with intention?

💌 Join Maria's Roundtable community or submit your own dating question: 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/askaquestion Use promo code ROUNDTABLE50 for $50 off.

Make new friends. Travel the world. ☀️ Check out upcoming trips: https://agapeescapes.com/ Use code ESCAPES150 for $150 off early bird pricing.

✨ Order Maria's book 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/book 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Leave a 5-star review if you're feeling lovable and likable

Everything: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria Agape Match IG: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch

Agape Match: https://agapematch.com/

Producer: Venetia Geras https://www.venetiageras.com/

Studio: WTF Media Studios https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

Dating across cultures, first-generation identity, and family pressure in relationships take center stage on this episode with Matchmaker Maria and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Rosette Elghossain to unpack how immigrant upbringing, enmeshment, and early family dynamics shape adult dating choices. They dive into navigating parental expectations, setting emotional boundaries, dating outside your culture, and what to do when your family doesn't approve of your partner. You'll also hear practical advice on values-based dating, dealing with guilt, and how to advocate for your relationship without abandoning your roots. A must-listen for anyone balancing love, identity, and modern dating!

Dr. Rosette Elghossain is a licensed clinical psychologist and first-generation Lebanese-American. In her private practice, she focuses on relational and trauma work to help people navigate cross-cultural dating challenges, family pressures, relationship patterns, and the journey to a fulfilling life on their own terms. Check her out👇

• @drrosette on Instagram
• https://www.drrosette.com for info about therapy
• Listeners can use discount code MARIA100 to download this personal values guide for free!

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out Maria's Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 Ask a Matchmaker is your weekly go-to podcast for all things love and relationships. Hosted by fourth generation matchmaker and founder of Agape Match, Maria Avgitidis, Ask a Matchmaker gives you no-nonsense insight into dating, relationships, compatibility, and love. Maria and her weekly special guest answer questions to help you venture through the jungle that is modern love. Whether you're looking for someone or you're happily taken, Maria will keep you inspired to keep going down the path of love every week, and hopefully, gain a great tip or two to ignite the spark or keep the sparks flying!

Dating apps, AI matchmaking, modern love, Valentine's Day dating, and real relationship tips collide in this solo episode as Matchmaker Maria breaks down the rise of AI matchmakers and what they actually get wrong about human connection. From chatbot dating coaches to algorithm-driven matches, Maria explores why faster swiping doesn't equal better relationships, and why real matchmaking has always been about community, accountability, and growth. She shares behind-the-scenes insight from the dating industry, explains how AI can help (and hurt) your love life, and calls out the difference between validation and true compatibility. Plus, practical dating tips for 2026, how to expand your social circle, and what to do if you're single this Valentine's Day (hint: it involves dive bars and courage). If you're navigating dating apps, dating fatigue, or wondering whether tech can replace chemistry, this episode is your fun, honest, and deeply human reality check!

Be sure to use the promo code: roundtable50 to join Maria's community or submit your own dating question! 👉 https://www.matchmakermaria.com/

☀️ https://agapeescapes.com/ use ESCAPES150 for an early bird discount! ☀️

✨ Don't forget to order Maria's book, follow us on social, and leave a review if you're feeling lovable and likable. 💕

🤩 Check out Maria's Websites and Socials! 🙌

💖Podcast Website: https://www.askamatchmaker.com/ 💖Agape Match Website: https://agapematch.com/ 💖Matchmaker Maria TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realmatchmakermaria 💖Matchmaker Maria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria 💖Agape Match Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapematch/ 💖Agame Match Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgapeMatch 💖Agape Match Twitter: https://www.x.com/AgapeMatch

🙋‍♀️Our Producer Venetia AKA V Website - https://www.venetiageras.com/ Twitter - https://X.com/venetiaageras Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/venetiaageras/

🎥 by WTF Media Studios Website - https://www.wtfmediastudios.com/home

ABOUT THIS PODCAST 🔗 Ask a Matchmaker is your weekly go-to podcast for all things love and relationships. Hosted by fourth generation matchmaker and founder of Agape Match, Maria Avgitidis, Ask a Matchmaker gives you no-nonsense insight into dating, relationships, compatibility, and love. Maria and her weekly special guest answer questions to help you venture through the jungle that is modern love. Whether you're looking for someone or you're happily taken, Maria will keep you inspired to keep going down the path of love every week, and hopefully, gain a great tip or two to ignite the spark or keep the sparks flying!