By Marla Martenson As a professional matchmaker of over two decades, I’ve watched more promising connections dissolve in the imagination than in real life. And one of the biggest culprits? Jumping to conclusions—especially based on photos. I see this most often with my male clients, and I say that with love and honesty. A woman’s entire personality, lifestyle, and dating history will be decided in seconds based on a single image. Red lipstick? “She must be high-maintenance.”

By Marla Martenson What if finding love wasn’t just about swiping, small talk, and settling? What if it was a sacred journey—one that invites you to rise, expand, and step into your highest self? That’s what happens when matchmaking meets  magic . As a high-end matchmaker and spiritual seeker, I believe that love isn’t something we  chase —it’s something we  align with. And the process of working with a matchmaker? It can be so much more than just being "set up." It can be a 

By Marla Martenson Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap. It’s either hyper-commercialized or painfully predictable: overpriced dinners, rushed roses, and pressure to “make it special.” But love—real love—thrives in presence, creativity, and intention. So instead of booking the same crowded overpriced prix fixe dinner, why not celebrate your relationship in a way that actually feels meaningful? Here are 10 unique Valentine’s Day date ideas  that invite play, presence, and deeper co

By Marla Martenson At some point, many women hear a version of this: “You’re intimidating.”“You’re intense.”“You’re a lot.” As if your self-awareness, clarity, or emotional depth is the problem. But here’s the reframe that changes everything: You’re not intimidating.You ’re just no longer available for chaos. When Chaos Was Familiar, It Felt Like Chemistry For a long time, chaos can masquerade as connection. The unpredictability. The emotional highs and lows. The push-pull th