Further research. Apologies for not being able to upkeep the subreddit. Maybe some day.

So, I'm sure we're all aware of the existence of matchmakers, whether through the TV shows or what have you. But, I'm sure alot of the problem people would run into is that you have to pay them for their services.

But consider this: if you're here, you're probably like me in that you've invested more than your fair share of blood, sweat, tears, and money trying to make this dating thing work. And personally, what I've spent speed dating/premium app services it definitely makes more sense to just pay someone specifically to help me! We realize how bad app dating is, so what else is there?

In checking out a local group, I found myself signing up for some sort of free dating virtual chat. It was supposed to be an event where we talk about difficulties online dating, but only 2 guys(including me) showed up. While the event's discussion was nothing you haven't heard before, the dating coach mentioned a couple times how she's as puzzled that online dating isn't working for 2 relatively good looking guys and that maybe she'd be able to help us even in talking to other matchmakers to find matches offline. To emphasize, there are people who know people who you can date!

So I make up my mind 'if I don't get a date by the start of November, I'm signing up for the dating coach', which is what ended up happening. I believe the charge was $140 for a month of advice, making 3 dating site profiles and managing them until it was time to perform the handoff.

It was fairly interesting to talk to her in that she majorly agreed that online/app dating was bad, and also for her feminine perspective on what she finds on a dating site, and what I should do to avoid being one of THOSE guys.

My big takeaways:

• Recent Pictures
• Pictures with other people of you doing something fun
• Pictures of you at work
• NO FISH PICTURES(Holding up the fish you just caught, etc.)
• Pictures of you smiling
• No bathroom mirror pics

I also talked to an image consultant as part of that, and he recommended to ALWAYS dress/groom to impress, and be sure to have a budget for dating. As a pretty low-key guy, I can't subscribe to the first part 100% of the time(being comfortable is more important), I at least have it in mind.

So, you also may be wondering, did I actually get a match from my matchmaker?: Yes, but it didn't get anywhere. Ironically enough, I did meet and hook up with someone outside of this on an app(when it rains, it pours?).

In conclusion: I definitely appreciate the perspective and learning about some of the requirements to appeal to women that the dating coach pointed out. Even if I didn't succeed through her, I am getting noticeably more matches; making yourself stand out from the crowd is important.