I scrapped today’s original plan after reading an intriguing article. This woman’s dating approach had me hooked (see #2). Let’s dive in:

1.     Never Say Never

Here’s a belated Christmas card I received from a client in Newport Beach, CA. A lovely woman who once said she'd never get married again. The last I knew, she was casually dating. So imagine my surprise when I opened this stunning six-panel card, featuring a joyous couple, with this note inside:

"Never say never, right?"

2. Spontaneity Over Small Talk

The article spotlighted a businesswoman giving dating apps another try—with a bold twist. On her profile, she added a poll:"Do you want to meet..."

• a) Today

• b) Tomorrow

• c) Swap 'How are you?' messages for weeks on end

  
  

I couldn’t stop laughing. Brilliant. Direct. No-nonsense. Without reading further, I already loved her style.

But then came a piece of advice that made me cringe. Apparently, some dating coaches and matchmakers recommend phone calls before meeting in person—to screen for safety and compatibility.

What? Nonsense. And I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years! Let’s stick with research.

A Stanford University study (now in its 22nd year) reveals that if you don’t meet someone you’ve messaged within five days, your chances of meeting drop to 10%.

Yep. Ten percent.

And if you’re following my latest book, Second Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50 (released four days ago!), you already know I find phone-screening a waste of time. Real connections are made in person, not over the phone.

As for the woman in the article? Her bold poll attracted what she calls “spontaneous action-takers”—people who prioritize dating and have time for it. Now, she spends just 15 minutes a week on apps and 2–3 hours a week on actual first dates.

You go, girl. She has the right attitude and my gut is she meets him...and soon.

3. A Full-Circle Moment

Tuesday night, I had the honor of attending a live podcast event in Boca Raton, FL, to celebrate my book release as the guest speaker.

Afterward, a man approached me:“Andrea, do you remember me?”

“Hmm, can you give me a hint?”

“Chicago,” he said.“Okay, more details?”

He shared his name—and his wife’s name.

Suddenly it clicked. “OMG, no way!”“Yep,” he said, grinning. “We’ve been married for 26 years, have four kids, and you matched us on our first date.”

(Full disclosure: I remember his wife vividly—one of my most discerning clients!)

That moment absolutely made my night.

To everyone who purchased my book and sent photos holding it: THANK YOU! Your support means the world to me. I love what I do and poured my heart and soul into this book. 💖