3 Questions with a Philly Matchmaker and Dating Coach

Are you single and ready to mingle this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered.

City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri recently spoke with Nada Rifai, a certified life coach and professional matchmaker based in Philly. Read excerpts from their conversation below, and get Rifai’s full list of dating tips — including how to make the most of apps and the best places to meet people in Philly — by listening to today’s episode.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

What's your dating philosophy?

My approach is a “you first” one. Everything starts with you. You can never forget that the universe exists outside of yourself, but finding love isn't always about finding the perfect person. It is about also being prepared to offer the best parts of yourself to someone as well. Loving yourself first is the most important part of having a successful, fulfilling, loving relationship with another person.

Let's talk about the places in Philly where people could go and meet. You suggest speed dating events — why?

They are a really simple but genius idea to meet others. It is going to a location that is curated to [be] a date-like atmosphere, meeting other people you know are single, within your age range, and want roughly the same thing.

A lot of people get nervous. People say, “I can't go put myself out there like that. It's so obvious!” It's actually the best place to do it, because that's everyone's intention. So I've found them to be pretty successful for anyone who is open-minded and willing to get out of their comfort zone. Specifically in Philly, City Swoon [has] the most popular events in the city.

Can you tell us the difference between a matchmaker and a dating coach?

Hiring a matchmaker is about outsourcing the sweat. A matchmaker will take the time to get to know you [and] what you're looking for. The networking, the meeting of the people, we do that for you. It comes with a pretty hefty price tag, though.

Hiring a dating coach is a you-first process. Working with a dating coach gives you the powers you need to go beyond any matchmaking effort, so that you can find [a relationship] on your own. It's a very empowering experience and journey.