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.
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
Why You Keep Attracting Emotionally Unavailable Men
At some point, it starts to feel like a pattern. You meet someone with potential.There’s chemistry. Conversation flows.And
What High-Value Men Actually Look for in a Partner
There’s a common assumption in dating that high-value men are looking for one thing. Beauty. Status. Someone who
Dating Feels Different Lately — Here’s Why
Something has quietly shifted in the dating world. It’s not loud. It’s not obvious at first. But if
The Biggest Problem in Dating Today Is This…
If you ask singles what frustrates them most about modern dating, the answers vary at first. Dating apps.Ghosting.People
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.