Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How did you become a matchmaker?

I replied to a Craigslist ad for a "Unique Social Work Opportunity" when I graduated from Rutgers University with a psychology degree back in 2005. I met the CEO of an online matchmaking start-up at a Starbucks in NYC-got hired as a matchmaker and continued to work in the field while completing my master's degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. And, yes, I am still here. I do this full time, and I have done so for the past fourteen years. This means I haven't worked as a waitress/bartender since college. Hello, World.

2. So you are like the female Hitch?

I'm not just a matchmaker, but a dating and relationship coach with a profound understanding of psychology and relationship dynamics. I work with marriage-minded men and women. I help singles discover their true match and coach them throughout the process from meeting compatible partners to navigating relationship challenges to locking down commitment--creating and maintaining happily-ever-after. My work was never just about showing men how to “woo” women; although this has happened.

3. And you are also kind of a Carrie Bradshaw, huh?

Like Carrie, I’ve lived, loved, worked, played, and brunched in NYC for over a decade.  A passionate writer, dating and relationships are my subject. I am the author of two books-How To Get Over Your Ex: A Step By Step Guide To Mend A Broken Heart Italian American Style and A Fab Job Guide To Become A Matchmaker- as well as countless blogs. Currently, I write a weekly newsletter that readers say has been life-changing, and I have a dating column for teenagers at The Teen Mentor.  My writing is, in part, a reflection of my own love life, as Carrie’s writing was. No stranger to long-term relationships, dating, or heartbreak, I once went on ninety-two NYC dates in one year and blogged about them.  Thankfully, that blog has since been removed from the Internet! Yes, I dated a Mr. Big.

4. But wait, you are a Cyrano de Bergerac too?

Yes, I have considerable experience ghostwriting my clients' online dating profiles and messages. I knew I had real talent when I got a client married a decade ago by ghostwriting his online dating messages to his now-wife. Yes, they invited me to the wedding, and they are still married--with children! I still offer this service to select clients.

5.  Are you currently accepting matchmaking and dating & relationship coaching clients? Do I have to live in NYC to work with you?

Absolutely!  I do most of my matchmaking in NYC and the suburbs of NJ and Long Island, though I have connections to matchmakers throughout the world through my work with Matchmaking Institute.  I am a Master Executive Certified Matchmaker and teach other entrepreneurs how to be successful matchmakers by creating courses, teaching certification programs, and speaking internationally at live events--so I definitely have “the hook up” in other areas. I can either collaborate with other matchmakers or refer you to one of my colleagues. Regarding dating and relationship coaching,  I work with clients around the world via audio and video calls.

6. Do you do any other type of business consulting?

Yes, I consult with entrepreneurs who want to start matchmaking and dating & relationship coaching businesses, as well as online dating sites and mobile dating apps. I've also coached new authors on book publishing and even ghostwrote a book for a woman I met in a nail salon!

7. What if I just have a quick and/or complicated question about my love life and need your advice?

Let me cut to the chase: It's going to cost you. I've given out free dating and relationship advice to random people around the globe for years, and I am just too focused on my current clients and business projects to continue to do so. I wish I could help everyone, but right now the only volunteer work my schedule allows for is my column at The Teen Mentor. In the future, I’d be happy to volunteer for any project that helps kids develop healthy relationships, because it is so valuable to start learning positive relationship skills, attitudes, and behaviors at a young age.

Please only contact me for advice if you intend to become a client or database member. If you are serious about hiring a matchmaker or dating & relationship coach, please schedule a complimentary Matchmaking/ Dating & Relationship consultation to find out if I am the best person to help you find and keep love.

Otherwise, check out my blogs, videos, and articles for tons of free advice. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter for fresh ideas and bold strategies  on how to make love happen here.

8. Speaking of money, do you take insurance?

Sorry, I can't. Although I have my master's degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and have spent many hours doing psychotherapy with singles and couples, I am not a licensed therapist and am unable to take insurance. I can accept payments via cash, check, or credit card via PayPal, Venmo, or Square.

9. But you are a dating and relationship expert. How come you were never married?

Work in progress! It is happening soon--stay tuned!

10. Where can I learn more about you + what you are currently up to?

In addition to subscribing to my newsletter, you could also "like" my Facebook Fan Page and follow me on Instagram or connect with me on LinkedIn. Oh, and you should probably follow me on Twitter @RachelTRusso. Because you could learn a lot about someone in 160 characters or less.

Offices in Montclair, Manhasset, & Manhattan

M: 973-223-6406

Rachel@RachelRusso.com

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