matchmaking advice Archives - The Crush Confidential

How to Know If You’re Truly Ready to Date Again After Divorce

Posted on September 24, 2025September 24, 2025 by Amanda Hood

Starting over after a divorce can feel overwhelming. Some people feel pressure to jump back in right away, while others wait years before dipping a toe into the dating pool again. The truth is, there’s no universal timeline for when you should begin — but there are signs that can help you know if you’re ready to pursue love again.

At The Crush Confidential, we often work with clients who are navigating this very transition. Whether it’s been months or years since your divorce, the most important thing is clarity — both about what you want and what you’re ready to give.

1. You’ve Processed the Past

If thoughts of your ex dominate your mind or you feel unresolved anger or sadness, it may be too soon. Healing first allows you to enter dating with openness instead of comparison. Seeking support from a trusted therapist or resources like DivorceCare can be an important step toward moving forward.

2. You Know What You’re Looking For

Post-divorce dating offers a chance to redefine what you want. Are you looking for a life partner, companionship, or simply the excitement of meeting new people? Getting clear on your goals helps prevent confusion and wasted time — for both you and your potential partner. For some, that’s where matchmaking services like our 3-date model can help, giving structure and clarity to the process.

3. You’re Comfortable Being Independent

One of the healthiest signs that you’re ready is enjoying your independence. If you feel whole on your own and see dating as an enhancement — not a solution — you’re in the right mindset to attract the right match.

4. You Have Time and Energy to Invest

Dating takes effort. From planning and showing up to staying emotionally present, it’s important to ask yourself: Do I have the bandwidth for this? If the answer is yes, you’re far more likely to find success. For single parents, Amanda recently shared in Now in the Nati that making time and prioritizing your dating journey is essential.

5. You’re Ready to Be Vulnerable Again

Love requires vulnerability. If you feel open to sharing your story, hopes, and dreams with someone new, you’ve likely turned a corner in your healing journey.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Dating after divorce isn’t about forgetting the past — it’s about writing a new chapter. With patience, intentionality, and the right guidance, love can absolutely find you again.

If you’re curious about how The Crush Confidential supports singles navigating this stage of life, explore our client success stories or reach out for a confidential consultation.

The Crush Confidential Featured in Toronto Sun: Why Communication Styles Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

Posted on September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by Amanda Hood

We’re thrilled to share that The Crush Confidential was recently featured in the Toronto Sun! The article, written by relationship columnist Simone Paget, explored how communication styles can make or break connections in modern dating.

Amanda Hood, founder of The Crush Confidential, shared her perspective:

“In today’s dating culture, texts are where new relationships go to die.”

Her insight was included alongside expert commentary from psychologists and relationship therapists, underscoring the importance of communication beyond just words on a screen.

Why This Feature Matters

In the Toronto Sun article, Amanda joined experts like Suzannah Weiss, a sex and relationship therapist, and couples therapist Thomas Westenholz, to discuss the nuances of communication in relationships.

The feature highlighted how:

Voice notes can add warmth and intimacy, but may also create a false sense of closeness.
Texting is convenient, but prone to misinterpretation and emotional distance.
Face-to-face interactions remain the most effective way to truly connect and avoid misunderstandings.

Amanda’s contribution emphasized what we see every day at The Crush Confidential: compatibility isn’t just about values or lifestyle, but also about how people express themselves and build connection.

Our Approach at The Crush Confidential

At The Crush Confidential, we believe that great relationships start with great communication. That’s why our luxury matchmaking services don’t just focus on introductions — we also coach our clients on how to navigate communication styles effectively.

Whether it’s setting healthy boundaries around texting, encouraging more phone and FaceTime conversations, or guiding couples toward meaningful in-person interactions, we take a holistic approach.

Want to learn more about how we help clients? Explore our story on why the three-date model works for building authentic connections.

A Growing Conversation in Modern Dating

The Toronto Sun feature reminds us that communication is more than a preference — it’s a reflection of emotional needs, attachment styles, and how people connect in today’s fast-paced world.

For example:

Suzannah Weiss points out that texts can easily be misread, leading to unnecessary tension.
Couples therapist Thomas Westenholz highlights how our brains fill in gaps negatively when tone and body language are missing.
Amanda Hood emphasizes that relying too heavily on texting often undermines the very intimacy people are trying to build.

Final Thoughts

We’re honored to be part of this important conversation featured in the Toronto Sun. Communication isn’t one-size-fits-all — but when approached intentionally, it can become the strongest foundation for love.

At The Crush Confidential, our mission is to help singles navigate modern dating with clarity, honesty, and heart.

👉 Learn more about our boutique matchmaking approach or book a call to see how we can support your journey to lasting love.

Why Your Soulmate Might Not Live in Your Zip Code (and Why That’s a Good Thing)

Posted on August 14, 2025August 14, 2025 by Amanda Hood

When it comes to love, most people’s search radius stops just outside their own neighborhood—or maybe the next town over. It feels comfortable, it’s familiar, and let’s face it… nobody loves the idea of adding “airfare” to their dating budget.

But here’s the truth: love doesn’t care about zip codes. And your perfect match might be living in a completely different city—or even a different time zone.

Here’s why expanding your dating map might just be the smartest move you make:

1. Compatibility Goes Beyond Proximity

Sure, living near each other is convenient. But if you’re looking for a lifelong partner, shared values, goals, and lifestyle alignment matter far more than a short drive. Someone two states away who shares your vision for life will outshine someone down the street who doesn’t.

2. You’re Opening the Door to More Aligned Matches

Limiting your search to a few miles around you drastically cuts your chances of meeting someone truly right for you. Widening your range gives you a bigger pool of people who are on your wavelength—and that’s especially important if you have very specific non-negotiables.

3. Distance Can Strengthen the Connection

Couples who start long-distance often spend their early days really talking. You get to know each other’s mind before you get distracted by the physical day-to-day. That can create a deeper emotional bond before you even share a zip code.

4. Life Chapters Change

Empty nesters, career changers, and remote workers have more flexibility than ever before. If you’re at a stage where you could relocate—or they could—you’re not just dating for now, you’re dating for the life you want to build together.

5. The Love Story Will Be Worth It

Yes, there may be extra effort at the start. But one day, that “two flights and a rental car” story becomes part of the magic you share. Love is worth a little extra mileage.

Bottom line: Don’t let your zip code be the thing that keeps you from finding your person. Open the map, widen your search, and you might just discover that your soulmate’s waiting for you in a place you never expected.