| Palm & Associates 200 Newport Center Dr., Ste 312 Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.706.5596 palmandassociates.com info@palmandassociates.com |
This delicious scene has happened countless times with clients of Palm & Associates: Two people who’ve never seen each other before, usually widowed or divorced professionals in their 30s or older, meet at a restaurant for dinner. They don’t know much about one another except what their mutual connection at Palm & Associates – the matchmaker who suggested the date – told them. As they talk and enjoy discovering things they have in common, a question lingers: Is this the start of something big?
Meanwhile, the matchmaker at Palm & Associates who put them together is happily anticipating that it is, from a more informed position. The upscale Newport Beach boutique matchmaking agency offers free consultations in the privacy of its lovely offices overlooking Fashion Island. It screens applicants carefully before deciding whether to accept them as clients, and builds relationships with them to understand their personalities and what they do and don’t want in a potential mate.
“When we propose a date between two people, we know a great deal about each of them,” says Kimberly, a matchmaker at the agency. “But we don’t spoil the fun by giving away the details. We just say, ‘I think this person might be a really good match for you,’ and let them learn about each other on their own.”
Kimberly, who uses only her first name in her work because she likes the same privacy for herself that the agency extends to its clients, says testimonials on the company’s website vouch for its matchmakers’ skills.
“We advise that it takes three dates to know if the match has potential. Some people make the mistake of thinking there have to be fireworks right away and that they mean great things. Both assumptions can be wrong,” she says. “People also think we’re for those who can’t get a date. Actually, it’s the opposite – most of our clients are good-looking, successful, career-oriented singles whose problem isn’t lack of dates, but lack of good dates. They come to us because they’re selective and appreciate that we are, too.”
