ASK A MATCHMAKER – In this solo episode, Matchmaker Maria examines the rise of AI-driven dating tools and argues that algorithms and chatbot coaches can’t replicate the human elements of chemistry, accountability, and community. She discusses where AI can support dating and where it falls short, challenges the swipe-first mindset, and distinguishes between validation and genuine compatibility. The episode also includes practical dating advice for 2026 and guidance for navigating apps, dating fatigue, and Valentine’s Day as a single person.
Category: Agape Match
Maria Avgitidis Pyrgiotakis – Revealing Secrets of the Matchmaking World
LTR – Join us in a conversation with Maria Avgitidis Pyrgiotakis, the renowned fourth-generation matchmaker, CEO of Agape Match, and host of the Ask a Matchmaker podcast. Maria delves into her 16-year journey as a top-flight matchmaker in New York and her family’s rich history in the matchmaking tradition. She discusses her newly released book ‘Ask a Matchmaker: Matchmaker Maria’s No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love.’ Maria shares her unique perspectives on modern dating, the role of family in matchmaking, the impact of technology and dating apps, and how the matchmaking industry can bridge gaps in today’s society.
[**See the video here on YouTube**]
The May LTR was kindly sponsored by Dating Through Curiosity and Courtland Brooks
New Book Release: Ask a Matchmaker – Matchmaker Maria’s No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love
OPW – Maria Avgitidis, CEO of Agape Match and host of the Ask a Matchmaker podcast, has written her first book: Ask a Matchmaker: Matchmaker Maria’s No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love, out May 20, 2025, from St. Martin’s Essentials. The book offers a straightforward, practical guide to modern dating, addressing key topics such as identifying what one really wants in a partner, aligning on values like finances, long-term goals, and religion, and writing a personal dating “manifest.” It includes advice on using dating apps effectively, meeting people in real life, and navigating early-stage dating with tools like the “Twelve Date Rule.” It also challenges outdated expectations about love and dating timelines. You can pre-order the book here.
Maria will also be a guest at our upcoming LTR42 event on May 14th, where she’ll be interviewed by Mark about the book and her approach to finding love in the modern world.
A Debate: Is It Time to Break up With Dating Apps?
OPW – In a debate moderated by journalist Nayeema Raza, matchmaker Maria Avgitidis (CEO of Agape Match) and Melissa Hobley (Global CMO of Tinder) discussed whether dating apps are more of a hindrance than a help.
Maria argued that dating apps have gamified romance, leading to exhaustion, indecision, and a paradox of choice. She claimed users are more focused on superficial traits, like height, and are getting dopamine hits rather than real relationships. She pointed to Gen Z’s declining interest in dating apps as proof that people are looking for more authentic ways to connect.
Melissa countered that dating apps remain the most effective way to meet a partner, citing research showing that half of relationships and 70-80% of LGBTQ+ relationships start online. She acknowledged that dating is hard but emphasized that apps like Tinder provide accessibility, control, and opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. Melissa highlighted Tinder’s role in promoting social change, such as advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Both agreed dating apps aren’t disappearing but need to improve. Maria urged users to be more intentional, arguing that past generations built lasting connections without endless swiping. Melissa defended apps as essential, especially for marginalized groups, citing Tinder’s role in LGBTQ+ rights and a rise in interracial relationships.
Dating Services Partner With Hyde, a Retail Tech Company, to Improve Men’s Styling
NEWSWIRE – Dating services First Round's On Me (FROM), Three Day Rule (TDR), and Agape Matchmaking have partnered with Hyde, a D.C.-based Retail Tech company, to provide men with personalized styling advice and curated outfits through their apps. The goal is to help men feel more confident on dates and improve their online profiles by combining fashion expertise with AI technology. Hyde's research shows that style plays a crucial role in dating success, with 74% of women considering it important for second dates.
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Dating Habits Are Changing, 3 Trends and Tips for Navigating Them
NPR – In the evolving dating scene, three key trends are reshaping how people connect:
- Speed Dating's Resurgence: Speed dating is gaining popularity again, with a 63% increase in events reported by Eventbrite in early 2023.
- AI in Dating: AI tools are increasingly used in dating, with 6% of singles turning to AI for profile creation and messaging. Maria Avgitidis of Agape Matchmaking suggests using AI to highlight your best self, without altering images.
- Living Apart Together: The concept of maintaining separate living spaces while in a relationship is gaining traction, especially among younger individuals seeking autonomy.
Matchmaker Maria Avgitidis Has Helped Set up ~5,000 First Dates
THESKIMM – Maria Avgitidis is the CEO of Agape Match and host of the "Ask a Matchmaker" podcast. She has helped set up over 5,000 first dates. She observes a shift in dating habits, with singles moving away from dating apps and exploring alternative ways to meet people. She suggests that online dating still has value but requires adjustments. Avgitidis has noticed a change in deal breakers over time, evolving from smoking preferences to political and health stances. She encourages flexibility in deal breakers, except for critical decisions like having children. Her "12 date rule" emphasizes emotional over physical compatibility, advising to wait for 12 dates before engaging in sexual activities.
The Meet Group CMO/Co-Founder Catherine Connelly Interviewed by Ask A Matchmaker Maria
OPW – Feb 1 – Maria Avgitidis is a very accomplished matchmaker out of New York. Catherine Cook Connelly is SVP Marketing & Co-Founder of The Meet Group, and an IDEA 10 Year Club member. Maria has a new podcast called 'Ask A Matchmaker' and is a first-rate interviewer. Check it out…
Here's a few notes fyi…
- Dave and Catherine were in high school when they started the origin company, myYearBook. Geoff Cook joined a little later. Three siblings.
- They renamed myYearBook to Meetme after they realised members were using it to meet new people.
- They noticed it started becoming 'flirty' so figured they'd move into dating.
- The Meet Group was acquired by Parship for $500m in 2020.
- Meetme works especially well right now, during the pandemic, as it is video-first.
- Meetme is like a friendly neighborhood bar. Livestreaming one-to-many video is the key functionality.
- What's amazing about broadcast video is you can be on the platform and automatically engage with so many people.
- Users can also watch other users on a blind date.
- Leads into a really organic and serendipitous way of meeting.
- Users can also play their own dating game. Within 2 mins they need to decide if they will date them or skip them. – 18-40 is core demographic. Largely US.
- Over 4m DAU across all apps. Over 1m streaming monthly.
- Users spend 1.1B mins a month in the app.
- A place where introverts can feel more outgoing.
- The least favorite color for someone to be wearing is yellow, on Meetme.
- Million people streaming and 8-9m viewing a month. Its more common to be a viewer.
Matchmaker Maria Avgitidis Offers Advice on Love in Her New Podcast
THE NATIONAL HERALD – July 9 – Agape Match CEO Maria Avgitidis, best known as Matchmaker Maria, has announced the debut this week of the first three episodes of her new podcast titled Ask a Matchmaker. The podcast immediately hit the top 20 relationship podcast charts upon announcement at #16 in the USA and #1 in Greece, according to Chartable, a podcast measurement company. Each week, Avgitidis and her special guest answer dating and relationship questions in front of a live (virtual) audience. The origins of Ask a Matchmaker began on Instagram. The Ask a Matchmaker podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. To attend a live show or submit a dating question, visit askamatchmaker.com.
80% of Matchmakers Now Offer Coaching
