Today's Hot Topic delves into the fascinating world of professional matchmaking! We're joined by 4th generation matchmaker Maria Avgitidis—aka the famed "Matchmaker Maria". Maria is the founder and CEO of award-winning Agape Match, the exclusive NYC-based matchmaking service with a whopping 93% success rate. Ever wonder what a matchmaker would give you as "homework", what demographic makes the hardest client to match, what it costs to hire a matchmaker, or what tops men's and women's lists of desires? Maria pulls back the curtain on this generations-old industry and we promise you'll leave, as Shandy puts it, "enlightened"!More Maria:- Agape Match: https://agapematch.com- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakermaria- Ask A Matchmaker Podcast: https://plinkhq.com/i/1521530338?to=pageTime Stamps:0:00 - Welcome To Maria Avgitidis Pyrgiotakis!1:52 - Why Matchmaking?4:42 - Are We Searching For Functionality & How To Branch Out7:10 - Is There A Higher Likelihood Of Any Particular Religions/Cultures That Seek Matchmaking?9:55 - Can People From Very Different Religions Or Cultures Be A Good Match?14:28 - Does She Work With More Men Vs Women & How Do Clients Come Her Way?16:48 - In General, Which Demographic Is The Hardest To Work With?23:03 - Matchmaking Costs Money—How Is This Reflected In Her Clientele?25:22 - Is She Ever Tempted To Take On Clients For Free?35:18 - Top 3 Things Men Are Looking For40:55 - Top 3 Things Women Are Looking For46:28 - How Swipe Culture Has Affected Dating And Has It Affected Her Business50:02 - Standy DebriefIf you have a relationship question, write us at: dearshandy@gmail.comSupport Dear Shandy: https://redcircle.com/dear-shandy/donationsSubscribe and watch the episodes on YouTube! https://bit.ly/SubscribeDearShandyMore Dear ShandyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/dearshandyFacebook - https://fb.me/dearshandyMore SharleenInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharleenjoyntBlog - http://www.alltheprettypandas.comMore AndyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/machinelevineProduced by Gabrielle Galon - https://www.instagram.com/gabsamillionSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dear-shandy/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy