Why should I consider a matchmaker and a 'meet and greet' if I'm serious about finding a partner?

A 'meet and greet' is your first date with a potential 'perfect match' arranged by a matchmaker [1, 2]. It offers a solution to the common frustration of online dating apps, where matching with a decent person can be difficult, especially for men who may feel the bar is set too high or too low [3, 4]. Matchmaking sites, which often require a paid membership, have a long history and have flourished by connecting daters based on their individual traits, ideals, and characteristics, increasing your chances of finding someone compatible for a serious relationship [2, 4].

How do I best prepare myself for an initial meet and greet to make a strong first impression?

To make a great first impression during your meet and greet, it is essential to be mentally and physically ready, starting with confidence [5]. This involves properly choosing your wardrobe and maintaining good hygiene [5]. A versatile and safe outfit choice includes a polo shirt, slacks, and casual loafers, which is smart, neat, and casually professional [6]. For summer or morning dates, light or bright colors can make you look more vibrant, while dark colors project sophistication for evening dates [7]. Additionally, ensure you are well-groomed: get a haircut that suits your face, trim your nails, shave or trim facial hair, clean your teeth, and select an appropriate scent, avoiding cheap perfumes [8, 9].

What are the most important things to remember during the 'meet and greet' to ensure a genuine connection?

During your meet and greet, focus on making a good first impression to foster a genuine connection [10, 11]. Punctuality is crucial as it shows respect for your date's time [12]. Be engaging in conversation by asking open-ended questions that encourage your date to elaborate, and share relatable comments to build a connection, rather than making the interaction feel like a job interview [11, 12]. Most importantly, be honest about who you are and your intentions, as authenticity is valued, and you want your date to like the real you [11].

What is the recommended follow-up strategy after a successful first meet and greet date?

After your first meet and greet, it is vital to follow up and maintain the initial connection, especially if you are interested in pursuing the person [13]. Do not adhere to outdated social media advice about waiting days to contact them [14]. Instead, if you genuinely like your date, ask them when they are available for another casual meet-up or a phone call soon to keep the momentum going and assure them of your continued interest [13, 14].

Are paid matchmaking services worth the investment for men seeking a serious, long-term relationship?

Yes, paid matchmaking services can be a worthwhile investment for those seriously seeking a long-term relationship. These services have a long-standing history, predating dating apps, and have flourished in the modern dating landscape, indicating their effectiveness [4]. They offer premium services where a matchmaker carefully pairs individuals based on their traits, ideals, and characteristics, aiming for a 'perfect match' [1, 2]. This approach helps you move beyond the frustrations of typical online dating and can be a significant step in your romantic journey towards finding the love of your life, especially if you desire a serious partner [2, 3, 14, 15].

From Introduction to Connection: The Meet and Greet

Take your online dating game to the next level with an in-person meet and greet.

Dating apps and other social media platforms can be tiresome. It’s common for people to be frustrated about how difficult it is to match with someone. Usually, it’s about beautiful women seeking a handsome guy, and not a regular man who, say, works in finance.

The bar is either set too high or too low for a normal person to match with a decent person, causing many to give up on those apps.

But there’s a solution to your online dating frustration—are you willing to try a meet and greet with your match via an agency-affiliated matchmaking site?

Matchmaking sites have existed even before dating apps were a thing; they were one of the pioneers of online dating. Daters just weren’t giving them a shot because most matchmaking sites require a paid membership.

Are they worth every penny?

The better question is, if they weren’t, would they still exist today? In fact, they have flourished in our modern dating landscape.

Like most agency-affiliated dating and romance tours, people sign up for their programs and take advantage of their premium dating services.

In the program, a matchmaker helps daters pick a match by providing them with suggestions based on the person’s traits, ideals, and characteristics—basically pairing them with their perfect match.

Once you’ve decided to meet the person, it’s time for you to go on a first date with them.

The first-ever meet and greet will be nerve-wracking. It’s a pivotal moment where one man can finally meet the love of his life. Thankfully, we’ve got tips you can follow to raise your chances of success.

Preparing for the Meet and Greet

Now that your matchmaker has set up the plan for you and your match, it’s time for you to do your part—preparing for your first date.

While it’s normal to have first date jitters, you shouldn’t worry too much about it. Remember, if you want to give your date a great first impression, you need to be mentally and physically ready.

A good first impression starts with confidence. That’s why it is important to learn how to properly dress for the occasion and maintain good hygiene.

Choosing Your Wardrobe

How you look is often the first thing your date will notice. That said, ensure you'll be wearing something you are comfortable with.

Your goal is to leave a lasting impression; that means avoiding baggy jean shorts, a football jersey, and a pair of flip-flops. Wear the proper outfit for the proper time and place.

A safe option to wear would be a polo shirt, slacks, and a pair of casual loafers. It’s the most versatile outfit. It’s smart, neat, and casually professional.

If you want to step up your wardrobe game, here are some tips to maximize your outfit potential:

Wear light- or bright-colored clothes on summer or morning dates. The bright colors not only reflect the heat of the sun, but the brilliance of the colors can make you look more vibrant.
Wear dark-colored clothes on evening dates. Dark-colored outfits are elegant, stylish, and project sophistication when worn at night.
The colors of your clothes should complement your skin.
Limit yourself to 3 colors that complement your outfit
Your clothes shouldn’t constrict you or make you uncomfortable. Wear clothes that are comfortable and stylish.
Don’t be afraid to seek out online fashionistas in social media apps like Pinterest, Instagram, or YouTube.

Grooming Yourself

Now that you’ve got the outfit, it’s time to make yourself presentable. Choosing your clothes is just half the battle; you will need to style yourself as well as look and smell approachable.

A great hairstylist can help enhance your confidence. There’s a saying that a regular barber can cut hair, but a great barber can turn a boy into a man. Ask your barber or stylist what hairstyles suit your face and head shape. A great cut can make you as confident as a handsome man.

Hygiene is important. If you want your date to be comfortable around you, make sure your nails are properly trimmed, your facial hair is shaved or properly trimmed, and your teeth are clean.

Finally, choose the right scent. As much as possible, avoid wearing cheap perfumes—they are harmful to the nose. Like your clothes, there are scents suitable for the season and time of day.

Now that you’re all dressed up and ready to go, it’s time to head to your first-ever meet and greet.

A handsome man knows how to groom himself and maintain proper hygiene.

The Meet and Greet: Your First Date Together

The time has come for you to go on a date. Everyone knows that the first date is always awkward and filled with a lot of expectations, but it doesn’t have to be.

Relax, and take a deep breath.

Remember, the first date is a great opportunity for two people to get to know more about each other. This is where you can gauge each other’s compatibility and chemistry.

While there are no official rules on how to go on a first date, it’s important to have some guidelines, especially if you’re dating a foreigner.

How to Make a Good First Impression

Be on Time
Punctuality is important. Being on time means you respect your date’s time, and you’re putting in effort to be there.
Be Engaging
While people often ease into small talk, it's important to ask open-ended questions. This encourages your date to elaborate on their responses, giving you a deeper understanding of who they are as a person.When asking questions, avoid making them feel like they’re applying for a job. Chime in on their answers by giving relatable comments; that way, you’re establishing a connection with them.
Be Honest
The primary objective of this date is to establish a genuine connection—how can you achieve that if you’re not being honest? There's no need to pretend to be someone you're not to impress your date; simply be yourself.
Your date will appreciate your honesty, especially when it comes to your intentions. If she likes you, at least it’s good to know that she likes the real version of you.

Post Meet and Greet: What to do After the Date

Just like that, you’ve managed to finish your first-ever meet and greet with a beautiful woman. So, with the date wrapped up, now what? Your next step: Follow it up.

You already set yourself up for a connection of a lifetime by going on a first date with her—don’t stop at the first date; keep the momentum going.

According to VerywellMind, it’s important to maintain that initial connection, especially if you wish to pursue the person you dated. By following up with another date or a meet-up, you’re assuring your date that you’re truly interested in them.

Social media may tell you not to text or chat with the person you dated for at least 3 days, but that’s counterproductive. If you genuinely like them, ask them when they are free to casually meet up or if they’re down to have a phone call soon.

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Level up your online dating game with an in-person meet and greet. Who knows, it might be the beginning of your romantic journey. And if you’re truly interested in the person you are dating, the next thing you want to do is continue the momentum.

Remember, if you’re not feeling so confident with yourself, don’t be afraid to start your dating journey with a matchmaker.

External References:

Gupta, Sanjana. 2025. “What (And When) to Text After the First Date.” Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-text-after-the-first-date-and-when-8788482.