Many single women and men agree that the dating world is currently bleak. 

With dating apps, like Hinge and Tinder, ruling connections, the dating scene is a jumbled mixture of long lasting connection seekers, casual daters and solo enthusiasts. According to a Pew Research study, 31% of U.S. adults say they are single, with 50% noting they are uninterested in dating. Nearly one-in-five single adults, or 18 percent, cite bad relationship luck in the past for their disinterest in seeking a connection. 

While the dating world may seem grim and disappointing at times, there are still singles hoping for a love match. For those hopeful singles, especially Black successful singles,  it has become imperative to try something new. Dating apps have become an endless stream of no’s and in-person meetings are starkly different from what they were before. In addition, other life necessities, like work and health, are taking priority over traditional dating methods. 

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To this end, singles are interested in finding different ways to make a connection. CEO and Founder of Real Black Love Joseph Dixon believes matchmaking could be the answer to Black singles finding love. 

“I love what I do because I believe successful Black singles deserve love too, but I also understand that there’s barriers for them finding love,” Dixon tells Black Love. “It’s a little bit harder for them … trying to find their equal.”

After getting a divorce and having to navigate the dating world as a divorcee in his 30s, Dixon initially tried dating the traditional way. When those methods weren’t working, people recommended he try something different. However, he quickly realized that there weren’t a lot of viable options for African American singles. 

Inspired by his own journey, he decided to build a brand with one goal: helping successful Black singles meet their match.  If the prospect of letting someone else take the wheel of your love life is intriguing, here is what you should know about the matchmaking experience to get you started. 

How Should You Prepare For the Experience?

Before starting the matchmaking experience, Dixon recommends everyone work on themselves internally. He believes everyone should prioritize healing from their past relationship trauma before entering into a new one.

“I believe therapy is huge,” Dixon says. “Make sure there are no things that can hang up a possible new connection, because a lot of new connections are broken because of past situations or grievances or things that people are holding on to. You want to make sure that you are free from those, … and that you’re open and you’re ready for dating.”

When it comes to dating someone new, Dixon advises people to prepare themselves mind, body and soul. A person that is not holistically ready runs the risk of losing their person. 

What Should You Expect When Starting Matchmaking?

Dixon tells his clients the truth at all times. While he is a matchmaker, he asserts that he is not a miracle worker. He encourages people to manage their expectations and come open-minded.

His clients all have one thing in common. That commonality is that they are all good, real people who are ready to date with intention. Dixon pushes everyone to trust and believe in the process when they begin their matchmaking journey.

“It may be something out of the blue for you [or] something out of the norm, but understand that when you do come on board, you’re going to be treated like family, and it’s going to be an easier process than you think,” Dixon tells Black Love.

What Are Some of the Misconceptions About Matchmaking?

Dixon says that one of the common misconceptions about matchmaking is that it’s only for rich people. While matchmaking services do come at cost, he debunks the notion that it’s only for the wealthy. While matchmaking is an investment, the price can range from as low as $500 to higher than $25,000. 

Another major misconception is that people think it’s only for people who can’t make real-life connections. Instead, the experience is for everyone. This thought process limits individuals from something that may help them find a forever love. 

“Matchmaking in the Black community is very new, and what we try to do [as matchmakers at Real Black Love] is make people comfortable with what it is and how we do things,” Dixon says. 

How Can the Experience Help You Find Love?

The ultimate goal with matchmaking is to connect you with someone you need without the hassle. Matchmakers put in the work to blend their clients’ wants and wishes with what they truly need to find their perfect match.

“I tell everybody, if I knew about matchmaking before I got a daily I would have done it, you know, because it is, it is very, is a very streamlined process,” he said. “When you’re with a good matchmaker, they’re more trying to find you what you need instead of what you desire and want.” 

Dixon helps his clients match their wants with their desires by getting them in positions to receive love. 

“If you’re not positioning yourself, you’re not going to find anyone,” he says. “UPS and Amazon don’t deliver husbands and wives. When [you] come to us as matchmakers, we position you in front of the people that you’re looking for. We take all your dating criteria in regard and help find you that person.”