Weekend: We'll always be like one

Skimm’d with a tech-forward, connected SUV — Check out what we Skimm’d for you today December 2, 2023 [Subscribe]( [Read in browser]( [theSkimm Logo] Daily Skimm WEEKEND [Together with]( [Buick Logo]( Skimm’d with [a tech-forward, connected SUV]( [Update location]( or [View forecast]( Weekends are a good time to unwind. For that, we’ve rounded up the most fun and interesting stories we came across this week — the ones we texted our friends about. Enjoy. [Teal Quotes] “I just wanted to work at something worth doing” — The late [Sandra Day O’Connor](. theSkimm With Matchmaker, Matchmaker Maria Avgitidis Across the country, singles are [swiping left on dating apps](. Some are instead looking for love on [other apps]( (see: Strava, Yelp, and Duolingo), while [others are letting matchmakers]( make them a match. To learn more, we spoke to [Maria Avgitidis](, CEO of [Agape Match]( and host of the “[Ask a Matchmaker](” podcast. Here’s what the fourth-generation matchmaker, who has helped set up over 5,000 first dates, had to say… Q: There have been many articles recently about the ways [dating habits have changed](. What are some of the biggest things you’ve noticed? You have two [groups] participating in online dating. The first — millennials and Gen X — remembers what dating was like before apps, so for them, a dating app is very much a tool … [But] Gen Z has never participated in analog dating. They only know dating as opening an app and meeting someone through [that]. And it doesn’t have to be a dating app — it could be Snapchat, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook … Since COVID, people are feeling a lot of [online] dating fatigue, so they’re now asking, ‘How can I meet people through friends? What community events might introduce me to new people?’… I actually think online dating is a fantastic tool for meeting people — [but we also] have to fix [it] … [in some ways], if Tinder came out today, it’d be a crown achievement because [it] has a lot less filters. On other dating apps, you can filter for things like race, religion, and height. But you can’t do that on Tinder because they just want you to meet people … I don’t think most people are picky — I think [most people] don’t know how to articulate what they want. As a matchmaker, it’s my job to tell [them] you’re not going to get 100% of [what’s on] your list. You’re going to get a lot, just like I hope they’ll get a lot — but compatibility is a 50-50 equation. You have to be willing and enthusiastic to be with them, and they have to be willing and enthusiastic to be with you ... Expectations have soared so high. No wonder everyone has dating fatigue. Q: There’s also been [a rise in matchmaking](, perhaps in part due to shows like “[Indian Matchmaking](” and “[Jewish Matchmaking](.” Have you seen them? As a matchmaker, I do this all day. So when I’m off the clock, I‘m watching a murder mystery, a documentary, or the news ... I think just one person [on my staff] watches. Everyone else is like, ‘Unless you’re paying me to watch this, I’m not interested’ … [That said], I do think more people might be aware of matchmakers and maybe more people are searching for matchmaking. There’s certainly an increase [in that regard], and I love that. Q: You’ve been at this for more than a decade. How has matchmaking changed during that time? The thing that’s changed the most is the deal breakers. When I started my business in 2009, the biggest [one] was smoking. Around 2015, [it] became, ‘They have to be a Trump supporter’ or ‘They can’t be a Trump supporter’ ... In 2021, it shifted to, ‘They have to be vaccinated’ … And in June 2022, it shifted to, ‘They have to be pro-choice’ ... So what’s shifted the most is the weight of politics ... Of course, I’ll hear other deal breakers, and I’ll try to convince people not to make those deal breakers. They’ll say something like, ‘If they’ve never traveled.’ But maybe they didn’t have access or they didn’t have a travel buddy. Or someone will be like, ‘I’m vegan, so they have to be vegan.’ But that’s a lifestyle choice. And what happens if three years from now they realize they want a cheeseburger? ... One deal breaker, though, that’s really important is: Do you want kids? Do you have kids? Are you open to raising other people’s kids? [Those] answers shift everything. Q: Social media is flooded with all sorts of [dating and relationship theories or tests](. Do you have any of your own? I have the [12 date rule]( … which, basically, says to wait 12 dates before having sex ... [Keep in mind] a date can be a phone or video call, or something in-person that’s between 20 minutes and three hours. And you could have up to two dates in one day. Let’s say you spend eight hours going to brunch, seeing a movie, and taking a walk. That’s two dates ... So it’s very easy to get to 12. The point is to see if you’re emotionally compatible without the distraction of physical compatibility … What you discover in those 12 dates comes down to four things: What are they like when they’re [having] a good day? What are they like when they’re [having] a bad day? How do they treat you when you’re having a bad day? And, most important, how do they treat you when you’re having a good day? People really swear by [the rule]. Q: Recently, [a list of unacceptable date spots]( went viral. What’s at the top of your list? I think movies are unacceptable on a first date — but that’s about it. I’m not a hater ... [Honestly] any date that lets you stand or sit side by side or perpendicular is in my top three [favorites] because it’s a lot easier to date a stranger when you don’t have to look them straight in the eyes the whole time ... My number one date is a walk date ... I also love tapas — small plates and some drinks. And the third is if there’s live music ... Anything can be fun if you’re with a good person, and you can recognize they’re a good person. You just have to think about meeting them, not dating them. Psst, this interview has been edited for length and clarity. [Facebook]([Twitter]([Email](mailto:?body=The internet is in love with matchmaker Maria Avgitidis #theSkimm %0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23custom&link_occ=2) What's Happening 🗣️ In culture… As some TikTokers are [dropping the tiny mic](, others are asking, “[Who’s that wonderful girl](?” And Zoomers are discovering that [the club]( is no longer jumpin’, jumpin.’ Oh and Beyoncé is bringing down the house with [a new song](. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🙃 In adulting… Signing a lease? Launching a business? The best day to do so may be [written in the stars](. Meanwhile, if your to-do lists look more like wish lists, [a simple trick]( may help you get the job(s) done. Or, maybe an “[accountability partner](” will be your best bud. --------------------------------------------------------------- 💄 In beauty… What’s the prettiest makeup of them all? [C-beauty](, apparently. That’s as “[espresso makeup](” is brewing up a latte buzz. Plus, if you’re dreaming of good hair days (really, who isn’t?), maybe consider giving [hair botox]( a shot. You could also, like so many celebs, paint the town, err, [your hair red](. Forward this to a friend. [Click here](mailto:?&subject=Check out this Daily Skimm Weekend newsletter&body=Check it out . Skimm Reads “[Alice Sadie Celine](” by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright…our mom is supposed to like your best friend — but not like her like her, right? That theory is tested in this novel, which focuses on three women: Alice and Sadie, both in their early 20s, who’ve been best friends since adolescence; and Celine, Sadie’s lesbian, gender studies professor mother, who is 44. When Celine and Alice find themselves in a situation without Sadie, they’re surprised by their attraction. A passionate affair ensues. With alternating perspectives, this is a quick read that explores friendship, female sexuality, and our ever-present relationships with our parents. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. A major sale on luxe kitchenware you won’t want to miss. Spread the word: [This brand]( is offering discounts on select Le Creuset must-haves until December 13. Skimm’rs can get up to 20% off, plus free shipping and handling.* [Don’t wait]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. An exclusive discount for Skimm'rs at Universal Standard. Through December 3, use code SKIMM-SECRET15 to get [an extra 15% off sitewide](. That's on top of the 30% off sale already happening. We'll be living in [this cashmere sweater]( till spring. [Add to cart]( --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Hanukkah treats delivered to your door. Hanukkah begins on December 7, so now's the time to start thinking food. Get your [latkes]( from a legendary Jewish deli, some fancy [gelt](, and a [bagel spread]( with all the fixings for weekend brunch. [Order now]( Psst…love our recs? Follow [@skimmshopping]( on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag). Gifts of the Day An [aroma diffuser](, this mini [waffle maker](, and the best [cooking spices](. Skimm'd by: Rasheeda Campbell, Melissa Goldberg, and Clem Robineau --------------------------------------------------------------- Photos by Courtesy of Maria Avgitidis, Simon & Schuster, Brand Partners Design by theSkimm --------------------------------------------------------------- *PS: This is a sponsored post. Want to wake up with us every morning? 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