By Marla Martenson Whether you’re scribbling love notes, dodging candy hearts like emotional landmines, or planning a cozy solo movie night with popcorn and fuzzy socks—Valentine’s Day has a way of sneaking into your calendar and your feelings. But how did we get here? Why is February 14th practically dipped in chocolate and wrapped in red ribbon? Let’s rewind a bit… like, way back. A Rebel in Robes—The Real Saint Valentine Before we had boxes of truffles and oversized teddy

So many women I talk to—especially those who’ve been dating for years—have had this quiet ache: "Why do I keep ending up in the same kind of relationship?" "Why do I feel more exhausted than cherished?"" Why do I keep choosing partners I have to 'help' or 'heal'?"

By Marla Martenson In The Picture of Dorian Gray , Oscar Wilde gave us a man who never appeared to age—his skin forever smooth, his charm untouched by time—while a hidden portrait quietly soaked up every wrinkle, indulgence, and consequence of real life. Dorian stays young. The painting pays the price. If only dating worked that way. As a matchmaker of over two decades— and someone who truly loves playing Cupid for a living —I often meet men in their 60s (and even 70s) who si

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