Guest: Alysia Tofflemire - Germany's First Certified Matchmaker

Connect with Alysia here: https://www.altomatchmaking.com/discover

EPISODE SUMMARY

Dating in Germany as an expat is complicated. You're navigating a new culture, possibly a new language, and trying to build something real when your own life might feel temporary. In this episode, Christine sits down with Alysia Tofflemire—a matchmaker who works exclusively with internationally-minded English speakers—to talk about why dating here feels so different, what actually works, and how to find connection when you're still figuring out where home is.

Topics covered:

• Why dating in Germany feels harder for expats
• The challenge of being "internationally-minded" in relationships
• German dating culture vs. other countries
• Values-based matching vs. superficial compatibility
• Building community before finding romance
• Third culture identity and what it means for relationships
• Practical advice for exhausted expats navigating dating

ABOUT ALYSIA TOFFLEMIRE

Alysia has been an expat since age 17, moving from Canada to Belgium, then England, and finally settling in Berlin. With a diverse background in environmental science, aviation (Boeing), and nonprofit leadership, she founded her matchmaking business to help internationally-minded professionals find lasting relationships in Germany. She's certified by the Matchmaking Institute in New York and works "analog"—meeting people in person at events rather than relying on algorithms.

She's also raising a multilingual daughter in Berlin and knows firsthand the challenges of building a life across cultures.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Resources for Expats:

• IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer) - free business consultation services in English
• Gründungszuschuss - German startup grant for entrepreneurs
• Berlin founders groups and startup communities

Dating & Relationship Topics:

• Values-based matching methodology
• Third culture identity
• Reverse culture shock
• German dating culture and directness
• Vereinsleben (club life) as foundation for dating

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE

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📧 Newsletter: Get weekly insights on language, culture, and belonging in Germany

🌐 Website: [NextLevelGerman.com]

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This is Life, Just in German—real talk about language, culture, and building a life you love in Germany.

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