by Tanya Dittberner

Created on: January 31, 2007   Last Updated: February 25, 2012

When I hear the words "match" and "making" in the same sentence, I cannot
help but cringe at the memory of so many matchmaking experiences gone wrong.
Let us explore a couple of matchmaking disasters and how to avoid them.

Disaster #1
This summer I was in Mexico at my cousin's wedding where my well-meaning
aunt (whose only child was the groom in this wedding, marking the Assumed

end of her matchmaking days) preyed upon her unsuspecting, unchaperoned
niece - ahem, yours truly - entangling her and the sweatiest young graphic
designer she's ever seen in an uncomfortable matchmaking disaster.

Let's see if this sounds familiar:
Aunt: "Tanya, I have someone I want you to meet."
[Enter the sweaty graphic designer. He extends his hand and shakes mine.]
Me: "Hi. Nice to meet you."
Sweaty graphic designer: "You too." [He lets go of my hand and wipes his
forehead with the back of his hand.]

Somewhere between overactive sebaceous glands and embarrassment, my aunt left us to our own devices. He asked me to dance, to which I reluctantly obliged. We had the awkward small talk and when the song was over, I politely declined his offer for another dance and spent the rest of the night dodging both my aunt and the sweaty graphic designer.

Solution: If your aunt or otherwise nosey relative does not understand the words, "Do not set me up," bring a date to events such as these. Platonic friend, cousin, gay friend, whatever. If all else fails, fake sick due to overmuch drinking.

Disaster #2
I was the matchmaker in this disaster and the victims were my room mate, Curtis, and my good friend from college, Crystal. At first they were perfect for each other: similar outgoing personalities, chemistry. But the chemistry might have been too strong because before I knew it, Crystal was living in my house and our friendship went from happy-go-lucky shopping buddies to estranged housemates sick of tripping over eachothers' girl accessories. About four months into this matchmaking disaster, Curtis and Crystal broke up and my relationship with Crystal has since repaired itself - I am to be a bridesmaid in her wedding (to a guy she met on her own).

Solution: Don't set up your friends with your room mate. It sounds good in theory, but trust me, it's not a good idea.

When it comes to matchmaking, I have removed myself from the whole thing. It's risky, drama will most likely ensue and you will be somehow involved. My advice is if you must involve yourself in matchmaking, be cautious. After all, matters of the heart are not to be taken lightly.

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