Muslim Matchmaking - Our Exclusive Review of the Dating Scene

By Aida Abdi 

With Muslim matchmaking becoming increasingly popular, we will explore the basic values, traditions and approach to modern dating within the Muslim community.

Arrangements VS Matchmaking?

Is it just me, or are the two supposedly different concepts actually quite similar to one another? The former is very traditional, practised over the centuries and the latter is a modern approach to the world of contemporary dating. Apart from this, there isn’t much more of a difference, except that the former is usually community-based, with families approaching an individual with a potential suitor whereas the latter is an organised practice with professionals such as Matchmaking Specialists doing the searching and the finding. Talk about a modern twist to a historic practice, many Muslims seem to be happy with the latter, adopting the approach as it gives access to many potential suitors at one time, providing the freedom and greater opportunities to meet like-minded individuals more efficiently and on a global scale; different approaches, same principle. A great way to modern dating whilst upholding tradition.

The Elite

The importance of career, wealth and success is increasing for both men and women; for this reason, the majority of career-focused individuals spend 70% of their time working and only 30% of their time socialising (hence the revolution of Seventy Thirty). This applies to the Muslim community also; many affluent men and women seek a match similar in status, goals and background. Therefore, since their personal time is so precious, exclusive matchmaking agencies create the perfect platform in restoring this balance and helping you find your ‘equal’ match.

Freedom and Privacy

Traditional approaches are still practised in many societies and in the Western world, the process and experience of it all can sometimes feel a bit daunting and overwhelming, especially in the Muslim culture as family and communities can be very involved. Online services such as dating sites or exclusive matchmaking agencies can offer individuals the freedom and privacy to search for their ideal match, without being under the watchful eye of a protective parent or prying neighbour.

Agency Advantage

As Muslim online dating is becoming increasingly popular, there is a vastly growing number of dating sites dedicated to Muslims however, the question is, which is the right one for you? Many dating sites, to an extent, can offer individuals freedom to search and privacy whilst doing so. Nevertheless, many are turning away from online dating and others simply do not feel that they can put themselves on an online dating site. Matchmaking agencies offer a safer and more effective approach, eliminating any danger of online dating as they personally meet all Members and issue confidentiality agreements.

Dating Culture & Goals

For most of our Muslim clients, the goal is marriage and family. ‘Flings’, experimenting or short-term relationships are not part of the values or ethics of Muslim culture. Values and ethics such as self-preservation, protection and discipline are highly regarded. However, as many are moving away from the traditional approach of matchmaking arrangements, they are exploring other appropriate avenues that don’t conflict with their culture or ethics as a Muslim. Matchmaking agencies carefully assess each member and take into account an individual’s values, relationship goals and background to name the least, aiming to find compatible partnerships and ensuring no culture clash.

Muslim Matchmaking is a very fast growing industry, with many professional men and women joining Exclusive Matchmaking agencies to find their ideal partner. Seventy Thirty’s Muslim Members are often very prominent people, leading contemporary lifestyles with traditional cultural and religious values at their personal level of observance. Balance is key; they want to find someone who appreciates that those traditional values and beliefs can exist harmoniously in a modern world.    

Matchmaking in London

Our Exclusive Review of the Dating Scene

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life…”  This oft-quoted but unequivocal observation made by Samuel Johnson is equally true when it comes to London’s dating scene.  London has an extraordinary amount of opportunities for courtship, but as is the case with dating in any geographical location, success depends on being knowledgeable and savvy about the scene.  Dating culture varies enormously between cities and countries, which is why here at Seventy-Thirty we have matchmakers specialising in matching people all over the globe.  In this series of blogs, we share our knowledge and tips about the nature of dating in specific geographical areas.  So here’s some ‘news you can use’ about the London dating scene.

1 London embraces the Elite

London is brimming with remarkably successful people.  It is therefore a place to meet some of the most interesting and unique people in the world.  Inevitably this means there are many people in London whose primary relationship is with their career.  However, this can be an advantage on the dating scene as there are many amazing people who have not had time for love due to the amount of time they have spent establishing themselves in their field. This makes London a top city for dating at all ages and stages of life.

2 London is truly International

For people with an international mind-set London is hard to beat.  Many people travel extensively in their careers or live across more than one country.  This opens up the dating scene considerably and means that even if you live in Europe or New York, there are potential romantic adventures to be explored with Londoners.  

3 London is the land of Dating Opportunity

Dating sites and apps are plentiful in London, so much so that many companies are anxious to emphasise when they are not another app.  However, many dating sites and apps are not particularly exclusive as anyone can post their profile.  This is why luxury introductions agencies like Seventy Thirty are very much back in vogue.  Certainly it cannot be denied that London is a city with a passion for the world of dating with many events being organised to bring people together. 

4 London is suffused with luxury entertainment, cuisine and cocktails

When it comes to the social scene, there is every type of entertainment in London one could possibly imagine, which can inspire some imaginative settings for dates.  However, be aware that while Saturday was traditionally the night for dates, this is rarely a preference for Londoner’s now as the best venues are so busy on Saturday’s and people often travel to be in the centre of London for work.  Therefore the best date-nights are often mid-week rendezvous. 

5 London dates are both Awesome and Ambiguous

London is full exceptional people which can lead to extraordinary relationships.  However, a common observation about dating in London is that Londoners are often very polite and it can be difficult to decipher how a date is progressing.  This is very much in contrast to the New York scene in which people are often very direct and frequently reflect on how things are progressing during the date!  Forewarned is forearmed – being aware of this city-trait means you’re prepared if you experience this. 

6 London is an Eclectic mix

The beauty of a city like London is that there is such a broad range of people.  This is why dating in London can be especially fun, and perhaps a time to drop some of the rigid criteria we set regarding potential partners.  Many people in London are open to exploring relationships with people from other cultures and backgrounds, and here at Seventy Thirty we have introduced people who have subsequently had amazing relationship thanks to being a bit more open-minded and experimental about potential dates.  So don’t be too tied to your ‘type’. 

FIRST DATE Q&A

What is a great first date?

Our Matchmakers at Seventy Thirty have probably seen it all, from brunch and a stroll in the park to an exclusive city break. One couple had a fantastic date at laser quest! Big cities like London have plenty of options for cultural activities like visiting art galleries; these give us plenty to talk about. Choosing something that reflects a common interest is a great way to get conversations going – and to have fun! We recommend not putting too much pressure on it though – a nice atmosphere that promotes mutual interaction is what you need. Don’t be scared to change things up; it’s good to have alternatives up your sleeve. If things are going well, you can move from the cosy wine bar to the new restaurant nearby and then take that short romantic walk by the river before parting ways.

How long should a first date be?

We find a couple of hours will enable two people to get to know each other and find out whether there is chemistry. If you are getting along very well then why not go with the flow. Date ideas should be discussed before and the ‘when and where’ confirmed the day before.

What should I wear?

Everyone has their own style and dates go well when people are authentic. Generally people should look presentable and show they have made an effort. Our Matchmakers are able to recommend stylists and shopping advisors who help people change their look and have a fun whirl around the shops.

Today is the date – what should I do?

It is easy to say relax and be yourself but… try to relax and be yourself. Plan enough time to make sure you aren’t late and if you are running behind let your date know. Don’t grill them about information you found googling – let the conversation flow as smoothly as possible and let topics such as past relationships and careers come naturally.

What should I do after the date?

A nice touch is to follow up with a text thanking them for meeting and for a night-time date checking they got home safely. It is natural – and healthy - to reflect on a date afterwards. It is unhelpful though to focus on every word and try to decipher what the other person was thinking and why they said something. First dates can make people nervous. The important thing to reflect on is whether the person treated you well. Showing interest in your life is more informative about whether there is potential than the shade of shoes.  Be mindful of any red flags though, for example rude behaviour and do not tolerate being treated poorly.

What should I do about moving on to a second date?

The biggest question is did you enjoy the first date? If so, get a second in the diary pronto! Sometimes it takes a few dates for a couple to click, particularly if one is naturally reserved. People may also be unsure whether their date is keen. Matchmakers can take some of the pressure off by discretely gaining feedback from a match. On more than a few occasions we have found our Members have spent the day after worrying that they made a faux pas (or a terrible pun) only for us to discover that their date found it completely charming and is keen to meet again. With very successful people it can be difficult to arrange a time to meet again so being in phone contact will keep the connection and chemistry. A matchmaker will be a source of support and encouragement through those sometimes daunting first meetings and the formation of a relationship.

Don’t lose a fantastic relationship to poor communication – understanding the differences between how men and women communicate.

As Matchmakers, we know that many a relationship is lost not because of a poor match, but because of misunderstandings which occur due to the different ways in which men and women communicate.  Complaints such as ‘he didn’t understand me’ and ‘she was impossible to deal with’ are often cited as reasons for relationships ending, yet are often entirely avoidable.  People focus on the content of conversation without really understanding the differences in communication – which can lead to misinterpretation. 

The tragedy is, if people don’t understand communicative styles and their own role in the breakdown of communication, they take these problems into the next relationship and create exactly the same circumstances.  This is why people frequently split up with numerous partners for essentially the same reasons.  Understanding differences in how people communicate will enhance your dating success by helping you avoid pit-falls and instead foster closeness and understanding.

In this series of three blogs, we will look at the differences between how men and women communicate with tips on managing these differences.  Although we will explore generalities in men and women’s communication styles, these differences are not set in stone and may apply equally the other way round and within same-sex relationships.  The important point is to recognise and adapt our responses so that we truly create a meaningful connection.  This helps us to avoid George Bernard Shaw’s caution that, “the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”.

Men and women approach communication differently

Men and women often have different goals and needs in communication.  If we are unaware of this we can become hurt, offended or even exasperated when our partners response is not in accordance with our expectations.  For example, studies indicate that communication styles differ in a crisis.  Men often tend to offer a solution in an attempt to solve the problem as quickly as possible and reduce upset, whereas women also want to empathise and seek mutual understanding.  If these underlying motivations are not understood, men may feel frustrated about the time it is taking to discuss a problem, whereas women could think that the gentleman is being dismissive.  This creates an unnecessary rift.  Recognition of communicative styles and an understanding of where they come from means we can adapt our responses to create a real connection and exciting relationship.  This is worthy of consideration as we tend to underestimate how much relationships can be enhanced by talking – as the saying goes, ‘Romeo and Juliet are another example of why communication within a relationship is so crucial’.

You are and your partner are not the same person

This is the starting point for great communication, yet this seemingly obvious observation is actually the least remembered in relationships.  Frustration occurs when we expect our partners to view the world, process information and communicate in exactly the same way as we do.  On an intellectual level we would of course argue that we understand how background, experience and physiological differences combine to make each person view and interact with the world in their own unique way.  However, as Professor Krycka (2015) explains, on an experiential level we often default to thinking our partner is just like us and should be expected to think and communicate in the same way.  This is especially true if the conversation is emotive!  So keep in mind that if your date or partner is responding in a way you find challenging, this does not make them wrong.  Attempting to take on their perspective and ‘walk in their shoes’ is an instant de-fuser and gives insight into how to communicate and connect with that person.

In the next blog of this series, we will focus on the particular differences in communication styles, with tips on how to manage these with a view to building a close and rewarding relationship.

References

Aries, E., Shaver, P., Hendrick, C. (1987). Sex and gender. Review of personality and social psychology, Vol. 7, (pp. 149-176). Sage Publications, US.

Krycka, K. (2015). Psychotherapy for the other. Duquesne University Press, US.

Tannen, D. (2002).  You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. Virago Press, London. 

Welcome to the world of dating…let the fun begin!

The world of dating can seem like a daunting place, especially if you have been out of ‘the game’ for a while. The thought of embarking on this journey can bring up fear and apprehension however, it doesn’t have to be that way.

If you are single and surrounded by friends in relationships, I am sure you are familiar with what I like to call ‘the advice’.  Friends and family offer advice from the safety of their committed relationships, for example, “you just have to get out there and meet people” or “just start talking to people and go on dates” but we all know it’s not always that easy.

'Advice’ coupled with questions, such as “how old are you now? Don’t you want to settle down?” This will naturally lead to feelings of panic; potentially questioning whether we are doomed to a life of loneliness should we do not immediately meet a compatible partner. So, although this advice comes from a place of love, it’s not always the most helpful.

I suggest breaking the partner search down into simple steps; it will feel a lot less daunting and a lot more fun. After all, finding your future partner is a wonderful thing and you should be enjoying the process.

Step one: Release the pressure

It takes a confident person to approach a stranger, striking up a conversation which could lead to a date. It can therefore be helpful to depressurise the situation. Don’t seek a future partnership in every encounter; instead simply seek opportunities to extend your social circle. This approach will hopefully make you feel more relaxed making it easier for things to develop naturally.

Step two: Drown out the noise

By this, I mean try to block out the pressure imposed by others of where you should be, in your romantic life, and focus on where you want to be. By keeping your goals in mind and the pressures of society out, it’s easier to remain focused on what you would like to achieve. We often give too much attention to unhelpful comments and subsequent thoughts. Try giving the helpful feedback and thoughts the attention it deserves. Thoughts influence our feelings and behaviour - so remember that you are worthy and you will feel better about yourself and act in ways to reinforce your worthiness.    

Step three: Just say yes   

Whenever we have to face a potentially daunting situation our natural instinct might be to avoid it. When single, the easy option is to spend your evenings at home hoping that somehow your perfect partner will come and find you. Well, I hate to point this out but Mr/Mrs right does not often come knocking on your front door.  

It is therefore time to start saying yes to every opportunity you have to meet someone new. This includes saying yes to that colleague who invites you for after work drinks, when what you’d really like to do is go home and enjoy a lovely glass of wine in the comfort of your living room. Or, saying yes when asked to try out that new restaurant. Saying yes to all these things means you are putting yourself out there without even realising it.

Step four: Ask for help and invest in you

In our busy lives today, so much of our time, energy and finances are spent on other people; the gift for your friend’s wedding, the donation to charity or perhaps volunteering at the country club. Although all these things are valuable, sometimes you have to take the time to invest in yourself. This means putting yourself first and clearing a regular slot in your diary to take part in activities you enjoy which will hopefully lead to you meeting that special someone.      

When it comes to asking for help, don’t be scared to get introductions from friends and acquaintances, but you can also treat dating like every other aspect of your life; if you wanted to buy a new car you would go to a car dealer, if you want to get fit you go a personal trainer, and, if you want to find love… there is always us matchmakers. 

Role Models in Relationships: help or hinderance?

“Role models are highly important for us psychologically, helping to guide us through life during our development, to make important decisions that affect the outcome of our lives, and to help us find happiness in later life”. Mark Thomas, The Importance of Role Models (2015)

Role models are like a long shadow quietly following behind you on a hot summer afternoon, silent but steadily with you wherever go. They are relevant in our intimate relationships as they can subtly inform many of our ideas and perceptions towards our partners, and as such they warrant some closer scrutiny.  As discussed in the previous article in this series about role models, they represent an example that we learn from, often admire and can thus imitate in our adult relationships. This gives role models a lot more sway then people often consciously realise, which can then go on to help or hinder current or new relationships, be it with a partner, friend or family member.

A friend of mine recently relayed a story which illustrated the shrewd presence of role models well. One Sunday morning, lying in bed, she had a smug grin on her face, hearing her partner turning on the kettle, she waited for coffee and breakfast in bed. This dreamy scenario quickly faded away, as she then saw the cheeky bugger sitting in the sun outside, drinking his own cup of coffee with the paper. Saying to me, how dare he have the audacity to not bring me coffee in bed when he is already making his own. Other than the obvious difference between the ways men and women often think, this situation pointed towards role models. Here was a situation where she was genuinely disappointed and shrugging his shoulders he simply said, I thought you would make coffee when you got up. It illustrates how far apart partners’ conceptualisation of ‘the right thing’ to do can be. These patterns of thinking often lead the way back to the examples we model ourselves on, imitate and what we expect.

In some instances, role models create strong and needed guidelines, and in others, can lead us astray, and create unattainable expectations. The mother of all evil is not money, but rather the elusive idea of expectations. With no expectations one cannot be disappointed, but this is not to say that one should have no standards. Quite the contrary, what we learn versus who we want to become and play out in our present day lives, becomes a balancing act between acknowledging the healthy models of behaviour instilled in us and letting go of irrelevant and negative images and experiences.  Research has shown that one of the reasons why role models are so important is that in order to do something ourselves, we need to first believe that it can be done and secondly, that we can do it (Darling, 2012). And this is where role models can have an enchanted power to propel us forward as they show us both.

Role models help us in the formation of relationships, because they give us a learnt behaviour to follow. In some ways they can provide a map for us to follow. For example, one can think that because I saw my father treat my mother with respect and care, I now expect and model my partner in a similar manner. In this way it is positive and can teach us the positive boundaries and ways we would like to be treated. If taken too far however, this can build up fairy tales which result in expecting to get breakfast in bed on a silver tray. This is not to say, that one should not be spoilt and adored by your partner, but you must be open to different ways of experiencing and expressing affection, learning each other’s language of love.

Other than creating unfair expectations, role models can hinder relationships if built on negative examples that we then learn to imitate. Fortunately, when looking closely at what your own memories, experiences and role models were, you can choose what you would like to grow in your present life, and what elements need to be thrown out, with the cold coffee. Having bad role models does not mean that one is stuck in a negative relationship pattern, and it can often rather be an inspiration for tremendous personal growth and development.

By putting role models on the table for discussion, be honest and ask yourself what you have learnt from your own role models, and what parts of that are positive or negative today. Take it apart, and then build it back together, using life experiences, honesty and the inspiration for healthy, fulfilled relationships, to create a role model that encourages you to be the best you, and so allows your partner to be the best version of them too, be that with a Sunday morning latte in bed or not.

References:

I Could Do That: Why Role Models Matter. Darling, N. 2012. Psychology Today.