Press Release

client: Engage.com

Best Friends Make Best Matchmakers, But Moms Come Up Short, According To Engage.com Research

Engage.com Celebrates Second Annual 'Thank Your Matchmaker Day' on February 13

SAN FRANCISCO—FEBRUARY, 2007—Singles will thank their best friend for helping them find lasting love by playing matchmaker this Valentine’s Day. Seventy-five percent of respondents in a new Engage.com survey of 650 adults cite their best friend as the most effective matchmaker.  By contrast, Moms, who all too often take an active interest in their single daughter or son’s love life, may find resistance. Although eight out of 10 respondents say their Mom has tried to set-up or introduce them to someone, less than 5 percent said Moms make effective matchmakers. Engage.com (http://www.engage.com) is the Internet’s first online relationship site where singles meet their match by inviting their community of family and friends to Play Matchmaker™ for them.

The research shows that more than half (57 percent) of respondents have been introduced to a prospective date. When asked, “What are the most important qualities of an effective matchmaker?” 76 percent of respondents said the matchmaker should know his/her personality, followed by interests (60 percent) and what they find enjoyable doing (56 percent).
“Anyone can be a matchmaker for a single person they know well But, some romantic meddlers have better matchmaking perspective and insight,” said Joelle Kaufman, Vice President of The Experience at Engage.com.  “Both in pop culture and in real life, Moms traditionally have a penchant for playing matchmaker. You’ve heard of a Wing Man or Woman who helps single friends find romance; well, ‘Wing Moms’ are alive and well, even though they may be under-appreciated by their offspring.”
Matchmaking Moms

According to the survey, Moms of respondents use common background (38 percent), personality (30 percent), age (26 percent) and looks (23 percent) as criteria to select a romantic prospect for their single adult child. And, what are the most common methods that matchmaking-minded Moms use? Survey respondents say their Mom tells everyone she meets (26 percent) and invites a prospective date to family dinner (23 percent). 

While 43 percent of respondents say they want their Mom to be uninvolved in their love life, nearly an equal number (42 percent) say they trust relationship recommendations from their Mom. And, positive outcomes of set-ups and introductions by Mom include having one pleasant date (13 percent), making a friend (12 percent), and having up to six meaningful dates (11 percent).
Engage.com is where singles can go to be introduced through Moms, friends, family and the community. Individuals who are closest to the single person are more apt to help make a quality introduction to a prospective love interest.

“Thank Your Matchmaker Day”

Engage.com is encouraging happy couples to take time on February 13th to remember the person who helped them meet their special Valentine. Engage.com research indicates that half of all marriages in the United States may be the result of a personal introduction made by a friend, family member or co-worker. 

Happy couples are urged to take a few minutes on February 13th to recognize an altruistic matchmaker by sending flowers, chocolate, cards or other forms of appreciation to the matchmaker whose romantic hunches and instincts helped bring love into their lives.

Engage.com Tips For Matchmaking


  • Be a good listener:  Ask your single friend about what has (and hasn’t) worked in past relationships and what qualities are must-haves in a potential romantic partner.

  • Let your instincts guide you: Beyond basic compatibility factors such as age and location, think about common interests, compatible personalities and hunches that two people belong together.

  • Look for key similarities (and differences): It’s good to have some qualities in common, but two people should not be clones of each other; some differences can complement a relationship.

  • Be persuasive and “sell” an introduction if you have to:  If you’re convinced that magic will happen when two particular people meet, do your best to make it easy by hosting a party or dinner where they can meet without pressure.  A little extra effort on your part may forever change two lives.

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About Engage.com
Founded by Suneet Wadhwa (co-founder of Snapfish.com) and entrepreneur Karen Wallace, and co-developed and endorsed by noted relationship expert Dr. Robert Epstein, former Editor in Chief of Psychology Today, Engage.com (http://www.engage.com) is the world’s first online relationship community where singles connect naturally through their friends to find love.  There’s no scientific testing required to meet someone. Love evolves on Engage in collaboration with your single and involved friends, the people who know and love you the best.  Engage, a San Francisco Bay Area company is backed by Advanced Technology Ventures, Revolution Ventures and The Founders Fund (partners Peter Thiel and Ken Howery, co-founders of PayPal).