Despite the fact that Seattle is
ranked high on the list of Best Cities for Singles, from speaking with many singles around me I have learned that
the reality can seem very different. Seattle should indeed be heaven on earth
for singles who are looking for a mate, as the city hosts a large range of
singles. According to the
2010 survey of the US Census Bureau 3 out of 5 adults in Seattle
are not married and 43% of the city residents live alone. Then
why is it not so warm and fuzzy when it comes to romance in Seattle? I believe
that there are three reasons that explain this reality:
1. Competitive
and demanding jobs (think Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Costco, Starbucks, T-mobile,
and the University of Washington for example), which don’t leave much room or
energy for a personal life. This fact is also true for married people in this
town.
2. Men
in the IT industry (a major industry in the area) are very knowledgeable when
it comes to talking to computers but most lack basic social skills such as
starting a small-talk. For more on
the subject, read my interview with dating coach and former Microsoft employee
Amin Lakhani.
3. Many
young people move to Seattle for work. Those transplants are far away from
their families and friends who are usually a very good source of social
introductions and matchmaking.
This last reason, in my opinion,
is the major cause of the local frustration of singles in Seattle, which stems
from some aspects of the American culture. In many traditional cultures the
whole community gets together to help singles find their mate. There is an
understanding that searching for a personal partner is not an easy task and the
burden shouldn’t rest on one person’s shoulders alone. There are strict rules
of behavior and personal limitations in those traditional cultures, but at the same time
there are benefits that the individual enjoys from such a social system. In the
US - where individualism, personal space, and freedom are highly valued - the
involvement of the community is somehow pushed aside. People enjoy freedom but
sometimes it comes at a cost of loneliness.
I believe that the well being and
happiness of individuals always benefit the community that they live in. I also believe
that we can keep a healthy balance between individual freedom and community
involvement. That is the reason
that motivated me to create Making a Match. I wanted to create a
platform for the entire community to come together, connect, and help singles
find love while truly respecting each individual and their way of living. Making a Match is a networking system
where friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors of singles step up and take an
active part in helping their fellow community members in their efforts to find
a mate. Right now Making a Match works in two realms:
1. Monthly
community meetings, where we discuss issues that singles in town deal with and
consider ideas, solutions, and actions that can be taken. To learn about upcoming
events check Making a Match website.
2. Facebook
group that acts as a community matchmaking board where friends & family
(even out of state) of singles can tell the community about the people they
would like to help find a match. For more information visit Making a Match Seattle facebook group.
I hope Making a Match will make a
difference in the community that I’ve learned to love and appreciate. Seattle
is already an incredible place to live, and I consider myself very lucky to be a
part of it. My wish is that Making a Match will turn Seattle in to a more happy
and loving place than it already is, and I need your help to make it happen.
