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Emma!

This entire subject has been written about by Jane Austen in her classic novel Emma.

Really, match-making is no fun for anyone. If you're being set up, you feel as though you have an obligation to the person doing the organizing to like the person you're being set up with. Friends don't let friends make their matches. If you're the match-maker, you may unknowingly be putting strain on your friendship by putting two people in an awkward position.

Don't feel pressured by anyone into meeting another person if you don't immediately feel comfortable with the idea. Although they're just trying to 'help,' they may not understand that you have reservations about their ideas. If they're really trying to help, they'll listen to what you have to say, good or bad.

The best approach is to let the 'match-maker' know what you're interested in. Don't let that person tell you what's good for you by forcing dates on you. Make sure you're clear: when you're ready to be set-up on a date, they need to know what you want, and what you're interested in. What's good or attractive to them may not necessarily be good or attractive to you.

But on the other hand, if you're ready to be set-up on a date, realize that the first person you meet will probably not be Mr. or Ms. Right. Enjoy the experience of meeting new people, and enjoy it at your own pace!

Learn more about this author, Helen Garda.
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