Most of us likely first celebrated Valentine’s Day as a child when we exchanged homemade valentines atschool. Finding our romantic match seemed quite simple then, because we often met our future  sweethearts at church, in school, or they might have been a neighbor and sometimes even children of our parent’s friends.

The art of dating certainly has gone through significant changes over time. One of the biggest shifts happened twenty-plus years ago when instant messaging and dating apps created what seemed like endless pools of potential partners and instant contact could be made round-the-clock. Today, our daily realities have shifted again because of Covid, which has singles reconsidering what dating looks like in this new world. The good news is that the pandemic has encouraged many to pursue a partnership in a more intentional way and prompted others to consider more broadly what they want out of their relationships and lives.

Wichita’s relationship coach and The Date Maven founder Suzanna Mathews, along with her life partner and coach, Michael Rivera, helps singles navigate the complicated aspects of modern dating. Seeing an increase in the demand for their services, Suzanna states, “People have become quite lonely, and that

loneliness became very acute during isolation, which actually drove people to try online dating. But when they did not particularly care for the online experience, that drove more interest in relationship coaching and matchmaking.”

The Date Maven is Wichita’s only locally owned dating and matchmaking service. According to Suzanna, “It was no accident that we officially opened our business on February 14, 2011.” She believes what sets their services apart from others is how they can offer a unique perspective from both a female and a male

viewpoint. Plus, other dating services do not offer the component of relationship coaching, which has proven critical to successful, long-lasting relationships.

From dating audits and strategy sessions to power opening sessions and online dating profile makeovers, clients can work with either coach and most often choose to participate in The Date Maven’s popular and exclusive six-month relationship coaching program. This one-on-one coaching program begins with a Dating Audit and Strategy Session and clients have weekly focused coaching calls or may accompany their coach on an experiential field trip. A three-month “jumpstart” program is offered to individuals who have had previous coaching. All clients receive a personalized plan identifying online and offline social strategies.

The Date Maven coaches are also expert matchmakers who introduce couples based on extensive compatibility profiles, and create personalized action plans designed with comfort, security and privacy needs in mind. Courtship is their specialty and they have been quite successful matching couples for over 11 years.

If you are ready to find love, The Date Maven is ready to help you fine-tune your dating skills and match you with your next valentine. On their website, you will find an array of services available and a queue to schedule a free 20-minute exploratory call with coach Suzanna or coach Michael. Be sure to subscribe to their newsletter for dating and relationship tips, and watch for upcoming singles mixers and event announcements. Go to thedatemaven.com.