The Blog Spot
Matchmaking & Dating Advice From The Crush Confidential
Straight answers on matchmaking, dating strategy, and what it actually takes to build a relationship. Written by Amanda Hood, MBA, CLC, founder of The Crush Confidential. Here you will find what matchmakers really cost, how a matchmaker-arranged date works, how to read your local dating market, and what to do after the first date.
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Are Dating Apps Dead? What Singles Are Doing Instead.
Dating apps are losing users and trust fast. See why singles are quitting Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble — and what they’re doing instead in 2026.
Introducing The Elevated Circle: A New Way to Date Beyond the Apps
https://youtube.com/shorts/sr4jgWhSB1g?si=p4E5n3_vnJ4rw1mS For years, singles have been told the answer to finding love is simple: Download another app. Create
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Why Boutique Matchmaking May Be the Future of Dating for seniors
Amanda Hood Featured on Out N About Columbus
Modern dating has created more access than ever before. More apps.More matches.More conversations. And yet, many singles feel
Amanda Hood Named One of Maxim’s Top 10 Matchmakers & Relationship Coaches to Follow in 2026
The dating world is changing rapidly. Between dating app fatigue, ghosting culture, AI-generated conversations, and a growing desire
Questions
Matchmaking & Dating FAQ
Who writes The Crush Confidential blog?
Amanda Hood, MBA, CLC, founder and CEO of The Crush Confidential. She is a former college professor, the creator of the 3-Date Model, and was named a Top 10 Matchmaker by Maxim. Her work has also been featured on TIME.com.
How much does a matchmaker cost?
Anywhere from about $1,000 to $500,000. The spread depends on the firm, the level of service, and how much recruiting your search requires. Full-service packages at The Crush Confidential begin at $25,000. The full breakdown is in How Much Does a Matchmaker Cost in 2026?
Is hiring a matchmaker worth it?
For some people, yes. For others, no. It comes down to four things: what your time is worth, how ready you actually are, whether you can take honest feedback, and what you are comparing the cost to. We run the numbers in Is a Matchmaker Worth It?
What is the difference between a matchmaker, a dating coach, and a dating app?
An app gives you a pool and leaves the sorting to you. A coach builds your skills but never introduces you to anyone. A matchmaker selects and vets introductions for you. We do matchmaking and coaching together, for the same client. Read the full comparison.
How do I work with The Crush Confidential?
Three ways in. Apply for matchmaking for full-service curation and coaching. Join The Elevated Circle for lifetime visibility across our matchmaker network. Or join the free Rolodex to be considered for client introductions.