If you’re after a long-lasting love like Married at First Sight Australia‘s sweethearts Cam Merchant and Jules Robinson, look no further!
On April 6, fans, influencers, and our fave reality stars gathered at Sydney’s Arcade Bar for the So Dramatic! MAFS Reunion viewing party.
And whilst the majority of the 2025 brides and grooms on our screen were unlucky in love this year, Matchmaker Sydney, who sponsored our viewing party, have some handy tips and tricks for finding a love that lasts.
So Dramatic! podcast host Megan Pustetto sat down with Melanie from Matchmaker Sydney to chat about all things lurve and dating.
And unlike the MAFS experts, Melanie has given some helpful advice to help people build meaningful relationships (without all the drama)!
Matchmaker Sydney’s Melanie shares her dating advice for singles looking for long-lasting love
With 30 years of experience in matchmaking, Melanie has shared several nuggets of wisdom when it comes to tackling first dates.
- Align your relationship goals: Make sure both of you are looking for the same type of relationship
before investing your time. - Make an effort in every way: Show genuine interest and try to get to know someone.
- Take pride in your appearance: First impressions matter—present yourself well.
- Be patient and take your time: A strong connection doesn’t happen overnight. Give it time to grow.
- Go beyond the first date: If they tick most of your criteria, meet in different settings:
- First meet: Coffee (casual & light)
- Second meet: Lunch (more relaxed day setting, like a casual cafe)
- Third meet: Dinner or a movie night
- Never assume what the other person is thinking: Misinterpretation can jeopardise a relationship. Communicate openly instead of making assumptions.
- Don’t rely solely on feelings from the first date: Visual attraction can happen instantly but often fades. Real connections are built over time through understanding and bonding.
- The best relationships are built on a strong foundation: Accept each other’s flaws, invest in getting to know one another, and build trust, communication, and a lasting bond.
- Be open-minded and realistic about expectations: Chemistry is important, but shared values, mutual respect, and emotional compatibility are essential for building lasting relationships.
- Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone: Sometimes, the best connections come when you least expect them! Take your time getting to know someone a few times, not just once.
What inspired Melanie to become a matchmaker?
Melanie explained that her passion for “helping people find love and build meaningful relationships” inspired her to become a matchmaker.
“Over the years, I’ve seen how personalised introductions create genuine connections beyond just online profiles or apps,” she told Megan.
“We keep updating our internal systems, and with a combination of matchmaking skills, we are able to curate quality matches.”
And it sounds WAY more in-depth than the matching process on MAFS!
How is Matchmaker Sydney different from dating apps?
Melanie explained that Matchmaker Sydney is a lot more personalised than other dating apps.
“Matchmakers go way back before dating apps,” she said. “We take a tailored approach and all members are genuinely committed, unlike apps, which can attract anyone and have no one responsible for the platforms.
“We also focus on quality over quantity—understanding our clients’ personalities, values, and long-term goals to match them with someone truly compatible.
“Our process is confidential, can be more personalised, and is guided by real human insight, not algorithms.”
What does the matchmaking process look like?
According to Melanie, the matchmaking process begins with a detailed consultation to understand the client’s lifestyle, values, and what they are looking for in a partner.
“After getting that information, we curate introductions with like-minded individuals who align with their preferences and advise them on which program is suitable for achieving the best results,” she detailed.
“After each date, we then gather feedback to assist in future meets with the same candidate, which helps refine future matches.”
Melanie also assured potential clients that the database at Matchmaker Sydney is “huge” as it’s a very established agency.
“We have all ages and nationalities, all walks of life, students and young professionals, pensioners, doctors, lawyers, executives, business owners, professionals, creatives, artists and entrepreneurs. This allows us to cater to a wide range of preferences, backgrounds and lifestyles,” she said.
What are some common misconceptions about matchmaking?
According to Melanie, a big misconception is that matchmaking is only for people who can’t find love on their own.
“In reality, many of our clients are successful, busy professionals who value their time and want to meet genuine committed likeminded people with a more efficient, curated approach to dating,” she explained.
“Another misconception is that matches happen overnight. Matchmaking is a process that takes time, patience, and an open mind.”
Melanie shares her favourite matchmaking success stories
Melanie then shared some of her favourite success stories in the matchmaking biz.
“Dating is an adventure—sometimes smooth, sometimes awkward, and occasionally, downright embarrassing,” she laughed.
“But here’s the secret: the best dates aren’t always the perfect ones. Some of the most memorable moments come from mishaps, unexpected surprises, and, most importantly, how both people handle them.
“My favourite stories are when clients form a relationship. One client, who was initially hesitant but ultimately trusted the process, met someone wonderful. Within a year, they were engaged!” Wow!
Melanie also explained the role humour plays in dating.
“Another favourite story is when matches share an embarrassing moment on a first date,” she said.
“One time, a match ended up at the wrong venue. That unexpected twist made the night more fun and gave us a hilarious story to share. These moments highlight that having a sense of humour in dating isn’t just attractive; it’s essential.
“Life isn’t perfect, and neither are first dates. The ability to laugh at awkward situations, roll with the unexpected, and find joy in imperfection creates a genuine connection. After all, the best relationships aren’t built on flawless moments but on shared laughter, mutual understanding, and the ability to enjoy the ride—missteps and all.”
If you’re ready to find your perfect match, check out Matchmaker Sydney!
