Having been a matchmaker and a coach for more than 30 years, it has pained me to have clients come back to me saying that they realise they let the perfect person slip through the net due to superficial reasons. Often it is because they see people like commodities and discard them without investing the time and energy to really get to know them. The reason they don’t invest further in this person is because they feel that they don’t match their unrealistic and often long list of expectations. Old patterns and fears hold people back from something magical because they get stuck in a trap of thinking they know who they want, and who they don’t want. If they had an open mind and met people based on aligned values, life aspirations, and beliefs, they would have a much better dating experience.
It may be hard to recognise that you’re falling into the expectations trap, so I’m going to ask you a few questions:
- Do you wonder where you went wrong in past relationships, and are you concerned about repeating these mistakes?
- Do you feel someone better will always come along and dismiss good people, hoping for someone who ticks all your boxes?
- Do your expectations, wants, wishes and desires make you dismiss people quickly?
- Do you find yourself finding faults and reasons why you should not date someone or see them again?
- Do you go on dates and like the person, but still not give them a chance?
- Are you chasing a unicorn, someone who doesn’t exist? Do you try to make even the wrong person work for you?
- Do you procrastinate over agreeing to go on dates or seeing somebody again?
So how many resonated with you and your dating journey? The more honest you are the better!
If you are looking for superficial qualities in a partner, such as a specific height, type of job, income bracket, dress size, geographical location, fitness level and so on, then you are caught in a trap that will keep you single or dating the wrong people. You are basing your tick box on a recipe for disaster, not a long-term loving, healthy relationship. The emotional space is key to recognising the right person when you meet them. Start looking for aligned values when it comes to family and work ethics. Are you both wanting a family? Are you invested in your current family and both open to creating a healthy blended family together? Do you both share the same beliefs on raising children, or even have the same wants, wishes and desires for retirement? Your aligned values and aspirations for the future are the key to creating the right life together. Shared dreams become a joint reality.
Clients who work with me get to unravel the expectations trap that keeps them single as well as building confidence to date authentically. I help clients identify the patterns, fears and unhealthy beliefs that are keeping them single and work with them to unlock these. Firstly, we fact-find and discover what is holding them back, then we start implementing the tools to create new healthier ways to date, and finally when clients are dating, we ensure the tools are embedded for long-term success. I have had so many successful happy clients who are all in relationships that they would never have had the confidence to recognise as the right person for them. This is the best part of my job, watching clients reach those “a-ha” moments and finding the right love that goes above and beyond any tick box!
At Ignite Dating, your dedicated matchmaker is with you every step of the way, working closely with you to understand the characteristics and values that are important to you. Our experienced matchmaking team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to make your dating journey as streamlined and enjoyable as possible. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you!
