Hi reader,

I know what you’re thinking. “Maria, where have you been? You said there would be a newsletter.”

You’re absolutely right. But, now I’m organized… and you’ll be getting a weekly one of these! So, if you’d like to stick around, keep reading. If you’d like to not receive this again, unsubscribe below.

The reason I have been MIA is because I’ve been busy working, helping people fall in love, and creating our upcoming IRL Agape Intensive, all while balancing my own relationship and raising my two beautiful kids (I just sent them off to school a couple of weeks ago… finally!)

Before I pick up where we last left off, I figured this would be an excellent opportunity to re-introduce myself.

I’m Matchmaker Maria, certified matchmaker and the founder of Agape Match. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a gift for bringing people together. I turned this gift into an award-winning matchmaking business, and over 6,000 first dates later, I’m still passionate about guiding singles out of dating fatigue and into fun, happy, and healthy relationships.

What’s Agape Match been cooking the last year? We have Agape Intensive (virtual), Agape Escapes (our retreats!), and the podcast,  Ask a Matchmaker.

🤳 Post of the Week
In this clip from the Tamron Hall Show, where I talk a lot with my hands, I share

The 5 Fives Challenge. 

If you want to completely revamp your social network by the end of October, here’s what you do:
Let’s get into something we’re all dying to talk about: Taylor Swift at the Chiefs Game. 

If you’ve been following along on my social media, you might have noticed that people went bananas over my explanation of why I think Taylor and Travis Kelce are a good match, on Instagram and on TikTok. I’ve got hot takes, baby!

In summary, Taylor has dated artists, performers, and chameleons in the past because that was her circle. We all tend to date people in our respective circles, it’s just that some are more competitive than others. When two entertainers are in a relationship, the podium needs to be shared which can brew into a low-level resentment over time. It’s only when there’s a balance–a deep, mutual admiration for each other that a couple can truly go the distance.

Taylor and Travis are on the same level but on different podiums. Most importantly, they share values. They share a dedicated appreciation for their fans, a strong work ethic, and a family-first point of view. The viral photo of Taylor and Mama Kelce rooting Travis on indicates to me that this isn’t the first time they’re meeting. Those two look like they have inside jokes. They look like they’ve played Cards Against Humanity. I’m thinking… we witnessed a hard launch of a relationship. Maybe it’s a PR stunt, but… that seems so weird to me. It’s not necessary. They are both loved by a lot of people. (If Taylor sneezes, we hear about it. And Travis is TRAVIS KELCE… PR???  HOW?)

Needless to say, I’m rooting for them. ❤️

Okay, back to what I’m trying to say: If you’re dating, I fundamentally believe that the top ask on your list of things should be the following: They admire me as much as I admire them. Mutual admiration and mutual respect is so key to the health of a relationship.

What about you? In your dating life, are you prioritizing “mutual admiration” at the top of your list? What about core values?

If you’ve never gotten clear on what your core values are, I encourage you to grab a pen and paper and jot them down. These are going to be the guiding principles of your future relationship and a key indicator of whether or not you’re compatible with someone.

We’re going to explore core values on a deeper level in our upcoming Agape Intensive. So if you want to jumpstart your love life by getting clear on those fundamental beliefs, you can sign up for our next Agape Group Coaching Intensive here. (We just listed a Men’s group for January too!)

🎤 Ask a Matchmaker

BIG NEWS. Season four of my podcast, Ask a Matchmaker, begins on Tuesday, October 3rd!

I’m going to be answering your questions on all things dating, relationships, compatibility, and love with a weekly special guest. So if you have any burning questions you’d like to submit, you can send them here. (Or you can reply to this email with a video question!) I’ve had a blast exploring topics anywhere from drinking culture to attachment theory to dating while living with your parents, and more!

If you’d like to listen to my previous episodes in preparation for this upcoming season, you can find all of them on Apple and Spotify.

⚡️Maria’s Weekly Recommendations

🎙️The podcast I’m currently binging is called “Exposed: Cover-Up at Columbia University.” This is about an OB-GYN working at one of the most prestigious Universities in the world, who was later exposed to be a serial predator. It’s horrific and heartbreaking, but powerful.

💁 Alright, I’m watching The (Golden) Bachelor. Watching a man who knows what real love is and continues to believe in love be vulnerable is my thing!

🎉 I heard about this event happening in NYC on November 1st. It’s the Yellowstone Forever Young Patron Event. I can’t make it, but I really think you should go.
🎯 Last but not least, if you want to work with us but aren’t sure where to start, be sure to book a 30-minute Dating Strategy Call with a member of my team. 

We  will walk through your dating history to help you understand your current dating experience. We’ll also help connect you with an Agape matchmaking program that’s the best fit for you and your goals.

That’s all for now. Thanks for being here!