Times are tough, but you still have to live, laugh, and sometimes fall in love, right?
That philosophy is causing quite a boom in the matchmaking business.
Christie Nightengale is the owner of Premier Match in Philadelphia. She thought when the economy started tanking, her business would too.
"We never saw a drop. If anything we saw an increase. We closed the year with record numbers. The best we've ever had," she says.
It seems singles are definitely looking to make that love connection.
"I really believe that when times get tough people become more inclined to reach out for love and support," says Nightengale.
"Everyone is looking for the same thing. We all want love," says Ginger, one of Nightengale's clients.
Ginger says she's busy, and it's worth the money to find that perfect someone.
"I'm looking for someone to be my match, to be my soulmate, so that's I mean you can't put a price on that. You just can't. Recession or no recession," she says.
But not so fast. The dating game has changed thanks to the recession. Some guys are not willing to shell out big bucks for a fancy dinner, or may ask you to chip in.
"No, that's just not going to happen. I understand where they are coming from definitely, but you don't have to be cheap about it, if you know what I mean," says Ginger.
Another client, Lisa, says, "I went on a date and I'm like, 'Ok should I pay?' and the guy is like, 'Sure.' And I'm like, 'What?' because I was hoping he'd say, 'No, I got this one.' and he didn't."
Never fear fellows, creativity does count. Lisa says guys do get high marks for trying.
"If he tries his best to come up with some great ideas, creative ideas to make it romantic and make it feel like he really wants to get to know you, it makes a huge difference," she says.
"It doesn't require a lot for a man to come across as chivalrous. Showing up with a rose, what's that, $1.99 at the corner," says Nightengale.
Premier Match is just one of many matchmaking companies seeing a spike in business. Online dating services like eHarmony report a 40 percent increase in business and Match.com says membership is up 15 percent.
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